Schwarzenegger praises slain San Francisco
police officer

San Francisco Police Officer Bryan Tuvera, RIP.
Photo courtesy SFPD Public Affairs

By Lara Moscrip and Ari Burack, Bay City News Service

December 25, 2006

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced today that flags in the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of slain San Francisco police Officer Bryan Tuvera.

Tuvera was shot Friday night in San Francisco's Sunset district as he attempted to detain a state prison escapee. He was pronounced dead after being removed from life support early Saturday at San Francisco General Hospital, according to San Francisco police spokesman Sgt. Steve Mannina.

The man Tuvera was pursuing, 33-year-old Marlon Ruff of San Bruno, had escaped from a California correctional facility, according to Mannina.

"Officer Tuvera put his life on the line everyday to make California a safer place. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Bryan's family as they mourn the extraordinary loss of their loved one. He valiantly served and protected the citizens of this golden state and will be remembered as a hero," Schwarzenegger said.

Police are expected to announce the date of funeral services for Tuvera later this week, according to Mannina said.

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