Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bryan- Everyday on the way to work I travel west bound on E. Broad st. and pass by the location where you saved so many lives. almost every time when I approach that intersection I get the red light, and it makes me feel good. I look over at the bank, and it feels like your soul is saying, its going to be alright. I always say a prayer and then the light turns back to green. You know all your brother's and sister's miss you very much and always will...P.S. I really like the red lights...1557

Police Officer Bret Bodell
Columbus Div. of Police

December 8, 2005

Bryan-

Your baby girl is growing up so fast! It's like all of a sudden she isn't a baby anymore, but rather a smart little girl. She is very, very talkative and knows so many words. Malia can recite and show all of her body parts (eyes, ears, teeth, nose)...she even knows boobs! I still don't know where she learned that! She actually says BUBS, but I know you would crack up just to hear it. She constantly says Mama, puppy, doggy, kitty, shoes, socks....you name it, she seems to know the word for it. "Dada" has kind of become her catch-all word for any character in a book or toy. Elmo and Dora the Explorer are known as "Dada" in our house.

Well, Malia DOES NOT like Santa this year. She has seen him twice this week and did not want anything to do with him either time. Needless to say, we now have several pictures of Malia screaming while sitting on Santa's lap. So there went my idea for this year's Christmas cards. We opted to take some photos at home instead. My mom and I dressed her up in her velvet dress and her plaid jumper and took about 100 photos. Two hours later we had a winner. You should have seen me dragging around the puppy, trying to get him to pose with Malia. After all, it doesn't get any cuter than babies and puppies. Simple when the puppy weighs 10 lbs, but not so simple with him. Bry, this puppy has to be at least 70lbs now. Yikes.

Most of our Christmas shopping is done. I bought almost everything from catalogs and online, however I am embarrassed to say that I was at Walmart TWO TIMES today. Ugh.

While I was shopping, I ran across one of those Mr. Wonderful dolls that you and I cracked up at last year. I wanted one so bad! You and I laughed for like an hour straight when we saw it. I think your favorite thing he said was "No, honey. ..let's go shopping. Spending time with you is way more important than watching the game."

Today I bought Malia a Dora The Explorer ATV/jeep. It's the kind that has real power and not foot-pedaled. I am toying with the idea of opening it up tonight instead of saving it for Christmas. I don't think she will know the difference at this age anyways.

By the way, Malia has herself a boyfriend. His name is Waldon - he is a little boy who Theresa watches also. At her Christmas party, Malia wouldn't leave his side and kept sitting next to him on the picnic table. Last night when I was giving her a bath, she was calling "Wa Wa!!!", which is her name for him. Who woulda thought she'd start this early :)

It is hard to imagine that tomorrow will be 11 months. It has almost been one year and we aren't even at trial yet. I believe that will bring significant closure to many of us.

p.s. Zoe and Freckles miss you alot. Zoe really hasn't been the same since you left us. She really was your dog -
I think you were right when you used to joke that she didn't like me much :)


We love you,
Marissa and Malia

Marissa
DCSO

December 5, 2005

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who unlocked your car after you accidentally locked the keys and your baby up at the mall.
I was the one who gave you a ride to the gas station when you ran out of gas on that back road.
I was the one who changed your tire because you couldn't figure out how to work the stupid scissor jack.
I was the one who directed you safely through that busy intersection when the traffic signals weren't working.
I was the one who gave you a jump-start after you left your lights on.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who found the item that identified the guy who raped your daughter.
I was the one who spent my days off in court to testify and help convict the man who beat your son so badly.
I was the one who located your grandmother in the woods that night when it was 22 degrees and she had wandered away from the nursing home.
I was the one who loaned you the raincoat the night we stood and watched your house burn.
I was the one who talked with you for two hours about your son running away from home.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who held your hand, wiped the blood out of you eyes, and calmed you down while the Fire Department cut you out of what was left of your car.
I was the one who called you at 2 a.m. to come pick up your 16 year old daughter because she had been drinking too much.
I was the one who knocked on your door at 4 a.m. to let you know your 16 year old daughter would never be coming home again.
I was the one who did CPR on your 3 year old after you found him in the pool.
I was the one who helped deliver your new baby when you didn't quite make it to the ER.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who got that snake out of your bathroom around midnight.
I was the one who got my knees and elbows scraped up fighting with the shoplifter with your carton of cigarettes.
I was the one who took your son for a "ride-along" so he could see what it was really like.
I was the one who gave you the right directions so you wouldn't miss that business meeting.
I was the one who stopped you to let you know your right rear tire was going flat.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who escorted your son's funeral procession from the church to the cemetery and cried behind my sunglasses because he was my friend, too.
I was the one watched over your place while you were on vacation.
I was the one who worked for you on Christmas Day so you could be off with your family.
I was the one who joked around with you after your truck got hit by a train and you walked away without a scratch.
I was the one was able to talk your husband into going into counseling with you.

You don't remember me, do you...?
I was the one who got shot when I pulled over a car for a traffic violation and the driver turned out to be an escaped convict who had sworn he would never go back to prison.
Oh, by the way, my memorial service is at 2 p.m.

Will you remember me now?

I will remember you!! RIP

friend

December 4, 2005

Brother Hurst,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle

December 2, 2005

Happy Holidays Bryan! Your family,friends and those who you don't know think of you as the holidays are here and the marking of the year since you were taking away. Your loved by all!

Lynn
Cadet

December 1, 2005

HOLIDAY:

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

To the family of Bryan Hurst

I know the pain you are going through I also lost a member of my family... Also a member of the columbus Police Dept...

November 29, 2005

To the Hurst family,
I am sorry about your loss. I know what pain you are going through. My dad was Daniel Lobo. Once again I am very, very sorry.
Kadie Lobo

November 27, 2005

I just wanted to say that you are not forgotten. There is a lot of people down here who think of you all the time. Your friends miss you like crazy. I am sorry for what happened to you. You are missed.

November 25, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving Bryan. Continue to watch over us as we continue to miss you. Hope you enjoyed the Ohio State game. What a game. Im sure you enjoyed the oucome from up above. Gone but never forgotton.

Shawn Hoskins

November 24, 2005

Bryan-

Well, here we are, the real deal. Today marks the official start of the holiday season. As usual, I was at work. I actually thought it would be easier to just be at work, so I wouldn't have to think about everything. WOW WAS I WRONG. Seeing all the people in their cars, with their families, all dressed up for dinner...it was emotional overload and hit at once like a ton of bricks. Probably 3 months of bottled emotion all erupting at the same time. There I was, driving aimlessly....Malia is away, family is all hours away. Needless to say, my Thanksgiving was celebrated with a McRib sandwich from McDonald's, which was the only place open in all of this county. Of course, everyone started asking me weeks ago where I would be going for Thanksgiving. When I told friends that Malia would be out-of-state and I'd be at work, I was invited to other families' Thanksgiving dinners...but it just didn't feel quite right. Honestly, I just wanted to come home and relax. So here I am, hanging with the dogs and enjoying the first moment of quiet that I've had in a long time.

Looking back to last year, I can definitely see that it was God's plan for me to be in the situation I was in last year. We were pissed off that the arbitrator's decision was taking so long, but I think it was a blessing that it was happening when it did. Last year was the first Thanksgiving that we were both off for in years. We had your family over to our house. I was so proud of myself for actually cooking. I went all out and made everything, from the sweet potatoes to the green bean casserole. Your mom made the turkey, because that was the one thing I wasn't confident about doing. Everything turned out perfectly and it was a great day. It means a lot to me that your last Thankgiving was actually spent with family and not at work.

I feel like I need to catch up on a lot of sleep. Too many nights of getting only 5 hours or so are starting to wear on me. Last week, I had another awful kidney infection that is a result of just not taking care of myself. That will definitely be a resolution for 2006.

I need to call and see how Malia is doing. My mom said she was great on the airplane!

Love,
Marissa

Marissa
DCSO

November 24, 2005

Just wanted to drop a little note to ask you to continue to look over your brothers and sisters in blue! Don and myself went and shared a couple of beers with you on Saturday before the game. Man what an incredible win! Last but not least, I wanted to tell Marissa she did and excellent job on the headstone I have never seen anything like that before.

Go Bucks!

P.O. Larry Waltermyer #2317
cpd

November 23, 2005

I actually had my application for the academy filled out and ready to be turned in when i learned of your sacrifice. It is kind of funny how such a tragic event would further inspire me to pursue this career. I can only hope that I get the opportunity to serve the community the way you did. I have alot of respect for you. To your family I apologize, for no officer's family deserves to be put through such hell. You are truly an inspiration.

Cadet D

November 23, 2005

Officer Hurst:

Had I known this site existed I certainly would have written sooner to express my gratitude.

On January 6, 2005, I was working at a business not more than 500 yards away from the bank where you were tragically taken. The incident occurred early in the day so needless to say my staff and I were on edge the entire day as we saw helicopters and police cars circuling the area thinking that this coward was still in the area. Had I known at that moment what I know now, that you wounded this punk and hindered his ability to hurt anyone else, I would have been able to be more at ease and would have been able to grieve for you and your family instead of fearing for my own safety.

No man or woman can be more dedicated to his or her job if he or she pays the ultimate price, and you did so for the sake of the people you were sworn to protect - and you did so with honor and courage and for that, I salute you. I hold you, a complete stranger, in the higher regard than I do most people I know personally. May God continue to bless those, particularly your wife and your daughter, who still suffer from your departure.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Columbus Citizen

Grateful Columbus Citizen

November 22, 2005

Bryan-

Well, it sure was a great weekend for OSU fans and I know you were going crazy up there. I remember every January when it was time for you to put in requests for time off for the following year. You were always scrambling for an OSU schedule so there was no question that you would be off for the Michigan game. As for your other favorites, I have to admit that I have not been following the NFL at all this year, so I don't know how your Steelers are doing.

It's been a good week and Malia has had alot of fun. I toted her all over the place today, running errands and doing some Christmas shopping. She was very happy to get to play at the indoor playground at Polaris Mall. Bryan, Miss Malia is proving daily that she is not the most patient little thing. There was a little boy about her age sitting at the top of the slide who wouldn't slide down and Malia just shoved him down so she could get a turn! I have never seen her do anything like that.

After we got home, I enjoyed spending an hour with my staple gun, attempting to put my couches back together after the puppy practically ripped them apart. He is such a little sh*t sometimes. All I will say is that he better be a good guard dog when he grows up. He is really testing my patience but makes up for it because he is so darn cute.

This week is Thanksgiving! It will be kind of sad because I will be at work but at least Malia gets to be with family. Everyone is looking forward to seeing her and I know she'll have a blast. She will be taking the second plane ride of her life!

As usual, I starting decorating for Christmas waaay to early. I bought a 12' tree, which looked awesome at the store but is downright overwhelming in my living room. Even on the top step of my ladder, I can't reach the top so I guess the top two feet or so will just be bare. Oh well.

Well, it's time to get to bed. I will write again soon.

Love,
Marissa and Malia

Marissa
DCSO

November 21, 2005

How 'bout them BUCKS baby!!

Ward
CPD

November 21, 2005

Ahhhh, what a wonderful day in Buckeye land! I hope you enjoyed the game. I know I did.

This is my first time leaving a reflection. However, I come to this site everyday to check on our brothers. I have enjoyed reading Marissa's notes to you.

I need to get out to your place to see how your doing. I wasn't able to get out after the funeral, but I'll make it soon.

A real good friend of mine works with Marissa and I check on her through him. You, her and Malia will always be in our thoughts.

Take care and I'll visit soon.

Stumpy

P.O. Bryon A. Stumph
CPD #2260 187C

November 20, 2005

....and Michigan still SUCKS!!! I bet you loved that game yesterday :)

A friend

November 20, 2005

Im sure you were looking down today celebrating and cheering on your Buckeyes as they beat the team from up north!...........You were a good man Brian!

Det. Dan Jones #2079 (Med.Ret.) 95th
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

November 19, 2005

Semper Fi

Ptl Brian A. Steel
Madison NJ PD

November 18, 2005

When I heard the tragic news...all I could think of was, "Why couldn't I have been there, to back you up...to help you take this bad guy down." Given the opportunity, I know you would have been there for me brother. Although we hardly knew one another, I remember your hearty smile...your willingness to jump onto the front lines with your fellow officers. You are a true hero Bryan. As I look up to Heaven, I salute you.

Retired P.O. Dan Cockerham
Columbus Div. of Police

November 16, 2005

Bryan,
I was thinking of you on Veteran's day as I watched dad throw the wreath off the bridge. Its guys like you that make this world a better place and for that I can not thank you enough.

a friend

November 15, 2005

Bryan-

I am trying to make this a regular thing to write on my day off, but sometimes I just can't. Whenever I leave a post, I get flooded with calls or emails wanting me to further explain on what I write. "So, what did you mean by ____?" You would not believe the questions people ask me....of course, I realize this is a forum that everyone can read and leave their thoughts, but damn, let them be my thoughts and not an invitation to a question and answer session with Marissa. Okay, I feel better now :)

Well, your headstone is finally up and it is awesome. The crystal etch of your portrait, CPD badge, and USMC emblem are amazing. I don't think the lettering is exactly how I requested that it be, but still looks good. I hate to be picky, but it has to be perfect. Under your portrait is the quote "In Valor there is Hope." As a lot of cops know, that is the main theme of the Police Memorial in DC, so I thought it would be fitting. The quote is so true.

We had a motion hearing last week in federal court. It was sickening to look at Lawrence in court. He is as disgusting as anyone could imagine. Just from his expressions and general demeanor, it is obvious to me that he feels no remorse. He seemed very casual about the whole matter - odd for someone facing the death penalty. Sitting not far from me was a young woman holding a baby girl who appeared to be about Malia's age. She HAD to be his daughter because they looked exactly alike. As she was sleeping, all I could think was that neither she nor Malia will grow up with their fathers. For very different reasons of course, but they will both still be fatherless. At least Malia will grow up knowing that her daddy died with honor and not as a criminal.

Christmas is coming and I got Malia her dress for her photo with Santa. Remember last year? We got her all dressed up with her red plaid dress and stupid velvet headband (you know how I despise those things) and took her to JC Penney. She refused to sit still and screamed at the people taking her pictures. Nothing worked but I was determined to get her pictures taken for Christmas cards. We finally gave up and left. But, before leaving the mall, we thought, "What the hell, Let's have her see Santa." As soon as she sat on his lap, she was grinning from ear to ear and squealing with happiness. All of the other babies were terrified of that Santa, but Malia was thrilled. Five minutes later, we had the best Christmas picture ever. It was your favorite picture of Malia and that is why it was buried with you, right in your shirt pocket.

Donnie and Lori had Jacoby's 2nd birthday party over the weekend. Last year, they had it in early December. I remember that because we have pictures of you, Malia and I standing in front of their Christmas tree. I believe those were the last pictures we had taken with all three of us. Anyways, it reminded me of just how close to a year we are getting. It seems unreal.

I will try to write later this week. Gotta pick Malia up.

Love you,
Marissa and Malia

Marissa
DCSO

November 14, 2005

Gump, Happy Veteran's Day!! I celebrated the final OSU home game with your brother. One week to Michigan brother!! I'll stop by Friday and see your headstone and drink a beer. If you can find Woody and tell him that "We dont give a damn about the whole state of Michigan, the whole state of Michigan, the whole state of Michigan. We dont give a damn about the whole state of Michigan........ WE'RE FROM OHIO!!"

Andrew Ward
CPD

November 12, 2005

Dear Bryan, I first want to honor and thank-you for your service as a Marine and an officer. You gave the ultimated sacrifice in order that others may live. You gave to provide the very freedom that allows us to live not just survive. To your family, your wife, your daughter, your friends and co-workers the deepest sympathy is extended from me and my family. We know your loss as my brother was also taken from us in the line of duty. He was also a marine, killed approx. 2 weeks after his 34th birthday and about a month before his 3rd wedding anniversary. We continue to struggle without him. Comfort is seldom found in words but I offer them to you. Unfortunately so many of us know your grief. So many times we ask why. Searching for the answer that may bring and end to our suffering. I have not to date found one. These words were printed on the back of shirts in honor of my brother. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Bryan is with his brothers and sisters who also gave the ultimate sacrifice. He can now be with each and everyone of you all the time, as he couldn't here on earth. We need our gaurdian angels too. God bless your family, and I know Bryan, just as my brother has found peace in the Arms of the Angels. Susan, Pat,and Bill Hewitt.

Susan Hewitt
Sister of SGT. JEFF HEWITT 04/04/04

November 12, 2005