Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Anyone wishing to remember Bryan during this holiday season please consider, "Toys for Tots", which is sponsored by the United States Marine Corp. This year there is a need for gifts for older children, 12-16 years, who are often forgotten.

The first Christmas Bryan was home from completing his tour with the Marines, I was in the kitchen one morning, when he came in and handed me some money and asked that I purchase a toy for him to give to the, "Toys for Tots". As he left for school that day, I remember the pride I felt that he wanted to do this for those unfortunate children. He was so proud to have served in the United States Marine Corp and it truly helped build his character and shaped him into the wonderful man he had become.

So, family and friends, this holiday season count the many blessings you have received and be grateful for one another, as well as for every moment you share. If you can, please take a moment to rember Bryan.

May the Good Lord continue to bestow his blessings on all of you.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Kaczorowski

December 5, 2006

Judge is oblivious to the suffering his ruling has caused
Saturday, November 25, 2006
letters to the editor

In U.S. District Judge Gregory L. Frost’s opinion granting the cop-killer Daryl Lawrence a new lease on life, he wrote, "The court recognizes the sensitive nature of today’s decision. . . . The court is also not ignorant of the suffering that additional proceedings in this case will no doubt cause . . . The law is the law, however, and even the least deserving member of society is entitled to the full protections of the legal system." He also said, "Justice demands fairness."

How nice.

Columbus Police Officer Bryan Hurst was my cousin. I knew him all his life. He became a police officer around the same time I entered law school. Throughout this horrific tragedy, I’ve tried to console Bryan’s parents and his brother and sister. I sat through the trial with them, answering any questions about the legal process. And with the Nov. 16 order from the court for another jury to impose a sentence, I again attempted to explain the rationale of the court as it overturned the death sentence for the man who killed their son and brother. What I can’t even attempt to explain to them, however, is the timing of the court’s decision.

The decision came one week before Thanksgiving, the official start of the holiday season. Last year, my aunt and uncle and cousins spent their first holiday season without Bryan, and without knowing whether justice would be served upon his murderer. This year, they will spend the holiday season knowing that Bryan’s killer will spend the holidays without a death sentence looming over him, without being on Death Row and with the possibility that he may actually get to see his family for the holidays.

I understand that there should not be any undue delay in the court system; it is already jammed with litigation. Still, it took a year for the case to go to trial, and the appeal process will most likely take a decade, maybe more. So, what is the rush all of the sudden?

Obviously, my family is devastated by the court’s decision, and we disagree with the court’s legal reasoning. But I will leave the legal arguments to Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and the fine assistant U.S. attorneys handling this case.

What I will argue is that there is no law that required Frost to issue his decision one week before Thanksgiving. I also argue that the court did not recognize the sensitive nature of its decision, and it was completely ignorant of the suffering that its decision will cause for my family during this holiday season. There is no justice or fairness in the timing of this decision.

I have to argue these points because, although as an attorney I can accept a decision from such an honorable court, I cannot accept that the court deliberately released this terrible news in such a way as to provide to a convicted killer a reason to give thanks this holiday season, while delivering to a grieving mother a crushing blow to her last hopes for justice. Such a decision would lack any regard for the victims’ feelings.

In its duty to "strictly enforce the letter of the law," the court was not required to dismiss common sense. Edmund Plowden once wrote that "the letter of the law is the body and the sense and reason of the law is the soul." I can make no sense of this decision. I can give no reason to Bryan’s mother for the court to overturn a decision by a jury that gave death to Bryan’s murderer, a decision that gave her some closure, knowing that her son’s life and sacrifice were worth something. And it hurts — it really hurts — to know that our system, the system Bryan guarded with his life, the system to which I have dedicated my professional career did not have the decency to just simply wait a couple of months before delivering such devastating news to Bryan’s family.

STEVEN McGANN

Columbus

Officer
CPD

November 26, 2006

Hope you told Bo to get back out his Buckeye gear....GO Bucks, see you in Arizona :)

a friend

November 20, 2006

When I see this picture of you in your Ohio State Jersey, looking so lively, I want to believe it is real. But then my mind flashes back to the ones the coroner showed during the trial, where the traces of gun powder on your face could be studied. I subjected myself to all of the torure, believing that it was all just a means to an end. And I felt it was worth it, until last week, when the jury's decision was overturned. Once again, as the real victims, our rights are being trampled. And I am sure that the defense attorneys have celebrated with their large paychecks and their even larger egos. They are the better people, after all, since they have found it in their hearts to forgive. Maybe I should ask your killer for tips on forgiveness, since he is a Christian. What do you think?

Stacey

November 20, 2006

Gumper,

12 - 0, but it wasn't the same without you.

O

Donnie O
CPD

November 20, 2006

HOWBOUT THOSE BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 20, 2006

OSU 42 UM 39, Thanks to our fine COC I couldnt attend. But, I'll see you in Glendale!!

Ward
CPD

November 20, 2006

Bryan,
Marine Corps birthday...OSU and that state up north...I can imagine how upbeat your spirit would be right now -- especially as we look onward to a Buckeye win this Saturday!!

Haven't posted in quite a long time. Just started working at Canyon Center on the 6th of Nov. Yeah. Let me tell you, you are NOT forgotten, bro!!

The big story in the news today is about some liberal judge trying to make sure a coward doesn't get what's comin' to him. No need to worry. You & I both know he will...and trying to delay it just means more time spent having to dread the final outcome.

Anyway -- Here's to a fantasic Buckeye finish for 2006!!!

Cheers,
Mike

Mike Ferrell
Fifth Third Bank

November 16, 2006

I cannot beleive what I just heard, as I sit here now I have the evening news on and just heard that a federal judge has "set aside" the death penalty conviction for that #$%^@@&&* because, as they reported, there were two murder charges filed and the jury only recommened the death penalty on one of the charges...............

dont u just love the system.....

oh well, im gonna be at the game this weekend for the first osu/mich game ive ever been to, my sister, who i just meet this summer after our father died on fathers day, are attending, and wouldnt you know it she is a fan of that team up north! haha i told her she wasnt wearing those colors, so she said she would wear them under the coat.....go bucks!

2079 (Med. Retired)
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

November 16, 2006

Gumper!!

3 Days Till Kickoff!!!

O

Donnie O
CPD

November 15, 2006

Bryan,

Been thinking about you and th situation a lot. Please look after me at the bank. My area has had 6 bank robberies in 5 days. Please watch over me. On some days I wonder if it's really worth working in this environment. I know you will look out for me just like you did at the Canyon Center....

November 15, 2006

Bryan, continue to watch over us as we continue to do our jobs. You are greatly missed! Lastly no matter the attendance at "The Game" this weekend I know we can add one more person to that total because you will be there watching!!! GO BUCKS!!!

Larry Waltermyer
CPD

November 14, 2006

Bryan,

As we near another OSU/Michigan game, I think of the past few years of getting to know you. My mind takes me back to the last 2 games you ever got to watch. Both games were sitting with Donnie and I as we beat Michigan and OK St. It is hard to dwell on the what if's and if only's but, if only you could be around to tailgate with us one more time!! Since you cant, Donnie and I will continue our weekly tradition of drinking one with you at the cemetary prior to going down.

Also, thank you for watching over some fellow officers as they were invloved in a critical incident this week. Only by a grace of god and a guardian angel were they able to survive that. Continue to watch over us as we try to watch over yours.

Rest in peace brother we'll get it from here!!

Ward
CPD

November 13, 2006

Gump,

Bring on the Wolverines. 11-0.

O

Donnie O
CPD

November 12, 2006

Bryan,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I think of you and the tremendous sacrifice you made that fateful January 6th. So many people owe great thanks to you for your bravery. Personally, I am thankful for the wonderful gift of Malia. She is really something!! I know you see what a bright, creative, energetic, and talented little girl she is. When she says "Go Bucks; Michigan sucks" I know you are laughing in heaven. Please continue to watch over all of us and know that I keep you close to my heart always.

Sherri A. Marzick
Mother-in-Law

November 10, 2006

Happy 231st bithday Devil Dog! God bless you and the United States Marine Corps!!!!!!!!

#2401
Columbus Division Of Police

November 10, 2006

Happy Birthday to the USMC...

Jim Gilbert
CPD

November 10, 2006

HURST,

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps birthday.

Semper Fi and Happy Birthday Marine.

Miss you.

November 9, 2006

Bryan,

We had an officer violently assaulted last night on 14 prect. C company.. She was able to get a 10-3 (officer in trouble) aired over her radio. The suspect got her gun and was attempting to kill her when it discharged as they struggled with it. 2 special duty officers (2nd shift Robbery detectives) had newly issued take home walkies and within seconds responded. When they arrived he was still fighting to shoot her and they shot and killed him. They saved her life WHY? Because they had radios while working spl. duty and you were watching over all 3 of them.. If they hadn't had walkies to hear her 10-3 and respond within seconds you know what tragedy could have taken place. This incident directly shows why and how walkies for each officer working spl duty can save lives. Your not having a walkie that day got a change here and thru your tragedy officers now have them to take home and use at spl.......KEEP WATCHING OVER US...

Officer Jim Gilbert
CPD

November 8, 2006

10-0

O

Donnie O
CPD

November 6, 2006

Hope you're watching down on this great buckeye team and..We wear your shirt to every buckeye game to remind us you are still with us...Keep watching, we miss you and we'll see you on the other side

a friend

November 4, 2006

Bryan,

Its funny how fast time goes by, yesterday was the ten year mark for the officers of the 95th recruit class! As I reflect back its amazing how fast things can change and how fast time slips away from us. Everything happens for a reason, although I dont always understand why. It makes me sad to see this site even exsists, but thats just a cruel reality of this profession. What makes it worse is when you actually know someone who is on here, and how close I came to being listed on here a couple years ago.

I realize things happened that our beyond even a police officers control, (which is hard to imagine! haha) but life goes on regardless. I wonder why some go earlier than others and then the song, "Only the good die young" pops in my head. For those of us whose lives took an unexpected re-direction in an instant, but have a second chance I have finally choosen to change my crazy lifestyle and make the most of it,

As another fellow officer of the 95th class said its a shame how we take others for granted, loose touch and done nurture a friendship, he was right. Those that did have the opportunity to be closer to you had a wonderful gift. See you on the other side someday !!!!

Ofc. Dan Jones (Med. Ret)
95th Recruit Class
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

Ofc. Daniel Jones #2079 (Ret)
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

November 4, 2006

Bryan,

It was 10 yrs ago today on this date Nov. 3, 1996 I first met you when we started our first day at the Columbus Police Academy. You were a good friend while we went thru the CPD academy over those 6 months. We both had family out of town, yours in the Toledo area and mine in Cincinnati. We were always talking about them on lunch breaks... I regret not staying in touch better with you after graduation.... You went on to work on 2nds and I went to work on 3rds causing us to not see each other that often. I miss your jokes, kindness, and the fun you always seemed to be having no matter what you were doing... I can't beleive it has been 10 years already.. I know I speak on behalf of our entire class, WE MISS YOU.. KEEP WATCHING OVER US..

Jim Gilbert
95th recruit class

Officer Jim Gilbert
Columbus Div of police

November 3, 2006

The 2007 National Championship game will be played on January 8, 2007, 2 years and 2 days after the day Bryan was taken from us all. As a Buckeye fan like Bryan, I hope the Buckeyes are in Glendale and win the game for all Buckeye Fans including our friend Bryan. Go Buckeyes, and may God bless Brian and his family. Brian is a true National Champion.

Ohio Resident, OSU Graduate, Buckeye Fan and friend to all Police Officers

October 31, 2006

9-0 We might even square off against our hometown Mountaineers. Miss You.

O

Donnie O
CPD

October 30, 2006