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Sep 13, 2005 1:13 am US/Central
Hundreds Gather To Honor Fallen Officer
by Esme Murphy
Coon Rapids, Minn. (WCCO) ―
The heavens poured a wall of tears as thousands of officers, friends and families gathered to pay tribute to Officer Shawn Silvera on Monday. The tributes brought the crowd to tears as Lino Lakes Police Chief Dave Pecchia spoke of a hero lost.
"Shawn gave his live so that others, like you and I, may live safely for another day," Pecchia said.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty spoke of a state diminished.
"Our lives and our civilization depend on a few brave people who are willing to raise their hand and stand up and protect us," Pawlenty said.
Some of those who surely will suffer the greatest loss include Silvera's two young children: four-month-old Madely and 18-month-old Jordan.
"My greatest regret at this time is that Madely and Jordan will grow up not knowing how their father loved them and have his guidance," brother Mark Silvera said.
Silvera's widow, Jennifer, expressed her deep sense of loss and appreciation.
"I love you and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss you," she said. "I miss you beyond what I can describe."
With a final salute and the soaring sound of bagpipes, Officer Silvera was led to his resting place.
According to the tributes, Silvera was a man who seemed to do so many things well.
Along with his wife, he had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras. He also was a musician and the leader of the police explorers -- a group of young people interested in police work.
If you'd like to help Silvera's family you can send donations to:
Lino Lakes State Bank
7449 Village Drive
Lino Lakes, MN 55014
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