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Condolences have been pouring in for three Pittsburgh police officers who died when a gunman opened fire in the city's Stanton Heights neighborhood on Saturday, April 4, 2009. You can read what others are saying and send your own in this special online tribute. 
Send Your Condolences Now
MORE: 
COMPLETE KDKA NEWS COVERAGE
Pittsburgh Fallen Heroes Fund
Funeral & Memorial Plans For Fallen Officers
Community Grieves Loss Of Pittsburgh's Finest
Pittsburgh Police News Conference
It's been almost two weeks since the morning three Pittsburgh police officers were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Stanton Heights. Now, the sister-in-law of Officer Stephen Mayhle, Julia Gurnee, has written an emotional letter describing the outpouring of support since that horrible morning.
Thirteen days ago, the city of Pittsburgh , and our family, along with Officer Sciullo and Officer Kelly's families suffered a horrific tragedy. There are simply no words to describe the pain and loss we are feeling.
Officer Mayhle joined our family 8 years ago when he married my little sister. There have been so many wonderful things said about Stephen in the past days but we loved him most because he made my sister happy. His dedication to her and to my nieces was undeniable and real. God did not see fit to give my husband or I a biological brother but through Stephen, that need had been met. However, on April 4th, Richard Poplawski robbed us of our only brother. My children are now without an uncle.
Despite the sadness that envelopes us, I find myself thanking God for several bright spots in the week we've just been through.
First, I want to recognize the City of Pittsburgh Police Officers . Thank you for going back to work Saturday. Thank you for being so dedicated and faithful. We are proud of you. Thank you for putting your lives on the line each day so that our children can live in a safe city. So many of you filed past Stephen's casket and offered such sincere condolences to our family. Thank you for caring. Thank you for the hugs that showed how sincere you were. To the officers who were stationed outside of my sister's home - thank you for being there. Thank you for the listening ear you've lent. Thank you for entertaining our children so that they could keep their mind off of the grieving that was taking place inside the house. Thank you for taking that extra shift so that our family could have a measure of comfort in your presence.
The City of Pittsburgh deserves recognition for orchestrating and planning such a beautiful farewell for Stephen, Eric and Paul. I do not believe you could have done a better job in honoring and celebrating their lives.
To every single Police officers wife I salute you.. I've met so many this week and I want you each to know that you are a breed all your own!! Thank you for standing by your man and for supporting him in his calling. They say that behind every successful man is a strong woman and ladies, that's you. I salute you today and want you to know that you will be forever in my prayers.
We wish to recognize the two officers who were assigned to caring for our children Saturday while we waited to hear the fateful news. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job! Not many men would have been willing to take care of 6 very small children - especially after being on the crime scene shortly before.
Also deserving praise and recognition is Officer McCoy and the Pittsburgh FOP for taking such good care of us Saturday. Officer McCoy, you had to have known when you met us at the door what we'd be facing just ahead yet you were so professional, yet compassionate. Throughout the week we've crossed paths and your kindness and genuine spirit touched us more than you will know.
To each one who has given money, food, gifts, and flowers to the families of the fallen officers - thank you for caring. Thank you for showing your love.
And, last but definitely not least I want to extend special honor and recognition to 3 very incredible officers who were assigned to care specifically for my sister and our family throughout this horrific tragedy. Brenda, Marsha and Matt became an intricate part of our lives Saturday afternoon shortly after we received the awful news that Stephen was gone. From that time until the burial, the 3 of them were relentless in their pursuit of caring for our needs. Their compassionate care of my sister specifically is worthy of recognition. They truly went above and beyond to make sure the road we had to travel this week would be as smooth as possible. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your faithfulness and for your love.
I am aware that this letter is lengthy but our family has been through a tragedy that has shaken us to our core and sometimes expressing appreciation helps heal and mend. So often the negative is all that is voiced but I want the whole city to know that though our family is grieving, we salute the men and women in blue. Your service does not go unnoticed. Our prayers are with you each day.
We are thankful we had Stephen in our lives even if only for a little while. Once again our sincere condolences to the families of Officer Sciullo & Officer Kelly. We feel your pain.
Sincerely,
Julia Gurnee
Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of this tragedy. As a cops wife for many years I know that most do not realize what that means. Kiss him goodbye in the morning with a prayer for his safety to bring him home. We have been deeply touched by the support of the community and thank you for that.
I print many of the comments for Tim to read when he is ready. Tim is expected to make a full recovery and hopes to be back to work soon.
Christine McManaway
Pittsburgh, Pa
God has three special angels. He welcomed them with his loving arms. There they will stay until the day their loved ones join them.
Carol Chilcoat
Penn Hills
My deepest symapthaies go out to the families of the fallen officers. Even though no one Iknow is an officer so i can not imagine what these families are going through.I want to thank all officers who go out and put their lives on the line everyday to protect us.
Anna
Pittsburgh
My heart and prayers go out still every day to these families. My dad and brother are both police officers and this story really hit home especially since my brother was with Pittsburgh police for 5 years. God bless you and your families.
Melissa
To the families of these three Officers:
Thank you for what you have given to each and everyone of us. Your men will always be a part of my heart. May God Bless all of you. Forever.
Nannette Contos
Oakdale, PA
It was a sad day when the three officers were gunned down. My heart is heavy with sadness. Just know all of the families are in my every thought and prayer.
Virginia Riley
Pittsburgh,PA
The ultimate sacrifice, the highest price to pay. We know the dangers of their jobs, but it does not make it any easier when we have to put to rest the souls of three police officers. The real sadness is that this was a true act of selfishness and should have never happened. Only families who have dealt with tragedy, understand what these families have to face for the rest of their lives. God bless the families of these fallen officers and may God guide you and hold you during your difficult days and years that lie ahead... Peace to all and let's end the violence.
Deanne Fulmer
Jefferson Hills
