“Sadness and pride,” said a tearful Jessica Michele Araujo (Featured photos), the 34-year-old spoke of his feelings after the seventh day’s mass in memory of the police officers killed in the clashes of a major operation in the Alemão and Peña complexes in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).
She is the widow of Hebel Carvalho da Fonseca, 39, a sergeant first class in the Rio de Janeiro State Gendarmerie (PMERJ), one of the victims of one of the deadliest police actions in the state’s history.
Mr. Heber has been with PMERJ for 17 years and is proud to be part of the company. He was known for the phrase he always shouted before each mission: “No one will stop us,” and he often told his wife that if he died in the line of duty, he would quit the job he loved best.
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In an interview with the column, Jessica said she and her children are living day to day, learning how to deal with the grief and pain of Heber’s absence.
“He’s a good guy.”
Surrounded by friends and widely known within the company, Heber was loved by all. According to Jessica, who is still trying to absorb the title “widow,” he was a “good man.”
“He left a legacy for his children, for his friends, for everyone and for Brazil. Today, Brazil is watching everything he did, everything he fought for society,” he declared.
“We live one day at a time. There are ups and downs. What comforts me and gives me the strength to continue is the legacy he left behind, the fact that he died protecting society and working with integrity,” he recalled, trying to contain his emotions.
Jessica currently lives with her two children. She said the family has always been very close and the loss has only strengthened their bond. “Now, for them, I am helping carry on his legacy by moving forward and feeling Heber’s presence close to us.”
When asked about her quest for justice, Jessica calmly replied that she believes that if you sow good, you will reap good. “There is no need for justice. Those who sow evil will surely reap evil,” he pointed out.
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Sergeant 3rd Class Hebel Carvalho da Fonseca, 39 years old – Bope
Reproduction/Social Media
“Bope Hero”
Mr. Heber was laid to rest on October 30th. This column was struck by the emotions of over 100 people who attended the funeral, including family, friends and brothers in uniform.
During the final eulogy, Colonel Marcelo de Menezes, commander of Rio de Janeiro’s gendarmerie, knelt before the soldiers’ children and graciously handed them a folded Brazilian flag.
“You have an exemplary father, a hero not only for you but for all of Brazil. I promise he will never be forgotten.”
The video went viral on social media and caused an uproar among internet users.
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‘Never forgotten’: Colonel gets emotional over late prime minister’s children
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More than 100 people attended the ceremony
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Heber was buried in the Jardin da Saudade cemetery.
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Three other police officers were killed in this large-scale operation.
Tercio Teixeira / Metropolis
“Keep praying”
On the day of the surgery, the widow shared her last message exchange with her husband on social media. In a photo published on her Instagram Story, Jessica revealed that they exchanged messages while Heber was still in the act.
At exactly 10:10 a.m. on October 28, Jessica sent a message asking about her husband’s well-being and saying she was praying for him. After about 40 minutes, he answered, “I’m fine. Please continue to pray.” It was the last time the Prime Minister responded to a message.
Messages sent by Jessica afterwards showed concern, and more than five missed calls revealed the despair of those who were already sensing the worst.
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Jessica reveals last message Heber sent her
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