Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

April 18, 1978 is a date I WILL never forget. I was a relatively new police officer assigned to Hollenbeck Division, which borders ELA's patrol area. I was assigned to an "L" car which was a one-man unit, and I had just completed taking a statement from the victim of a crime I decided to remain in the area to complete my report and I decided to park my car on Indiana, just south of Whiteside, backed against a fence that separates the street from the San Bernardino Freeway. I sat there for about 30 minutes working on the report, and just as I was getting ready to leave I monitored a broadcast advising that a deputy was in foot pursuit on Whiteside. I was shocked when I realized that the address was literally around the corner from my location, just seconds away. In 1978 LAPD and LASO did not share any communication, so when I arrived on scene I was late and there were already two LASO cars at the location. I will always feel guility knowing that I was just around the corner, sitting, while this deputy needed my help. I may have made a difference, if only I had only known. God bless you. RIP

Sergeant
LAPD

March 21, 2014

I was a rookie in Hollenbeck in 1978. I recall when the incident went down where Deputy Pohlman was killed. The following day my training officer drove us down to the ELA substation. We delivered some cash that was collected for the family. I will never forget the somber feeling in that station and the sadness in everyone's eyes. It was my first experience with the death of a fellow officer. Over the course of my career I wound up attending too many funerals for other coppers like so many of us do but I will forever remember the impact of this first one. Rest in peace Brother and I pray that your family continues to find the strength to live on with you in their hearts.

Len Mora PO-III
LAPD

March 14, 2014

To Thomas Pohlman and Family,

This year I participated in the 2013 Police Unity Tour. It was an amazing adventure I could not have accomplished without the support of East Los Angeles Station personnel. It was an honor to ride and stand at the Candle Light Vigil in your memory. I wish I had taken the opportunity to ride in tribute to your service long ago. Next year I will again ride in your memory and will continue to do so for years to come.

The National Law Enforcement Museum is scheduled to open within the next few years. Each year I will bring something from East LA Station to place at your memorial in the museum.

Until next year, watch over us all.

God Bless.

Sergeant John C. Mosquera
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

May 19, 2013

Tom

You were My brother. We went through school and the beginnings of our adult lives together. We had triumphs and tribulations and we went through them together. It has been well over thirty years since I last had the the feeling that there was a friend and brother that I knew was there for me no matter what. I miss you more than words can express. Sleep well my brother I will never forget

Paul Howze
Brother

November 24, 2012

Your memory lives on in all our hearts. Your positive influence continues to touch your children. Your grandsons carry your name with honor and dignity. I thank God daily for every minute we had together. With love, Jenny

Jenny Pohlman Liepitz
Wife

March 14, 2010

You were on training when I was a Deputy at East LA Station. We often talked shop and to this day I miss you. I still remember your funeral with hundreds of radio cars following your body to the grave.

Frank Gilbert
LASD-Retired

March 2, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Pohlman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the one hundred and thirty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time inever diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 29, 2009

Between February 1978 and May 1978, five deputies lost their lives (2 of them shot and killed).

At the turn of this century, as a newly promoted Sergeant, assigned to Hollebeck Division, I often patrolled near the site where Deputy Pohlman was murdered. East LA and Hollenebeck routinely back each other in that area.

On the anniversary(sic) of that fateful day, May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 18, 2008

Thomas, in 1988 I was shown by the "Burro" in 21's area as to what happened to you and where. Tom continue to watch over ELA Dep's, you have done a good job. RIP Bro.

NS Deputy
LASD

November 11, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 12, 2007

WHEN I WAS IN THE EXPLORER ACADEMY, OUR D.I'S SHOWED US THE VIDEO THE DEPT MADE RECREATING THAT HORRIBLE DAY. I SAW IT AGAIN WHEN I WAS A RECRUIT IN THE ACADEMY. I LEARNED THAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAN HAPPEN TO US IN THIS JOB. GOD BLESS YOU. WE'LL SEE YOU SOON IN HEAVENS BRIEFING ROOM.

DEPUTY RAMON ESCAMILLA
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.

September 8, 2007

I was a student aquaintance of the perp in this case at East Los Angeles College, Gilbert Armijo. The death of Thomas H. Pohlman was a shock to everyone in the community. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Officer Pohlman's death and remember him even now 30 years later.

Rick Arellano CBP Officer
U.S. Customs & Border Protection

June 22, 2007

Dear Tommy, we worked together at Mens Central Jail in the early 70's and I remember you as a quiet, gentle soul. The morning of your unfortunate passing, you came to the Eastern Ave Academy to take a person injured report for one of my cadets at the time, who had been injured on a run or something having to do with P.T. I remember asking you "how's being in patrol treating you"? you're answer was something along the lines of "pretty boring on day shift". It was shortly there after we were advised that you had bewen K.I.A. chasing a P.C.P. suspect along the north side of the 10 freeway. To say I was stunned would be an under statement. But it did instill in me the improtance of teaching of my Cadets the importance taking nothing for granted in oure job and maybe, just maybe helped to save one of their lives. Thanks for your friendship Tom. GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS. Rest in Peace.

Rocky Fortner, Lieutenant (RET).
L.A.S.D.

March 14, 2007

We haven't forgotten you Deputy Thomas Pohlman. Flowers were taken to your wife and a wreathe of flowers were placed at your portrait by our trainees. God Bless you.

East L.A. Station

April 19, 2006

was assigned to ELA DB when Deputy Pohlman left us. this happened in city terrace just east of the 10 freeway. after all these years i cannot drive by the location without thinking of Deputy Pohlman. He was a member of our family and will never be forgotten. God bless and keep him.

Old Retired Sergeant
LASD

January 23, 2006

Let it never be said that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has forgotten its own. Your name is on our wall and will always be in hearts.

Rest in peace.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 2, 2004

05/21/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Deputy Pohlman,

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 21, 2004