Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace.

J.R.

February 23, 2022

Officer Rees,
On today, the 34th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of West Jordan. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 23, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Rees. I must truly apologize as I left a reflection for Metro-Dade Florida officer William C. Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 15, 2019

Bold is the story to be told. Brave one shouldn't rave. Humility is the sanctity that sets civility's tables. You placed your career and life in harm's way for the better days ahead in Dade County, Officer Cook. I can only imagine the tears shed for your soul at your Inspector's Funeral, Officer Cook. The homage paid to a well breed and admired soul of serenity. Character and courage never should be confused among a gentleman's integrity, honor and dignity for we know your heart of humbleness was always in the right location where resolve and resourcefulness were shouting out for assistance. it's always a dark day, afternoon and evening when the lights on one's journeys of safety are crossed up by peril and danger. Always fondly remembered and saluted for salvation and those rugged words steadfast determination. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 28, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 23, 2018

Thanks for your services, Thomas.

David

February 23, 2012

Today marks 25 years since you died. What I wouldn't give to have you back in my life and moms. We miss you so much!

Ciji Holton
Step-Daughter

February 23, 2011

I never knew Officer Thomas M Rees. I got to know his Wife Cindy while I was a patient in the University Hospital. I got to hear Cindy speak of Tom and the hardships she endured after his death. I was able to reflect on some of the trials I have had loosing friends in the line of Duty. Even though I never met Tom I have witnessed what a great person he was by seeing what honor Cindy gives him, and hearing about the Honor that Travis gives him. To all who knew and loved Officer Tomas M Rees "GOD BLESS YOU"

Deputy Derek Nelson
Uintah County Sheriff

July 25, 2010

Tom, I’m the same age now that you were when your untimely death came. I can still remember my mom telling me of your passing. I was only 10 but my heart was broken, I cried for days. It amazes me that in 6 years as a cop you left a legacy that will never be forgotten. All I ever wanted to be growing up was to be a cop, like you. You inspired me to be who I am today. I have served for 9 years with the Sheriffs Office and have loved every minute of it. Your son is a legend in law enforcement. Every time I have the opportunity to tell others that Travis is my cousin, it makes me proud. If I can finish my career as half the cop that you and Travis are, I will have done a fine job. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. I miss you Uncle Tom.

Deputy Levi Hughes
Nephew & Salt Lake County Deputy

July 6, 2009

Officer Rees your work on this Earth as we know it is now done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 28, 2008

Before I became a Border Patrol Agent I tested with the West Jordan Police Department. Sad to say I did not get the job. I am a native of the Salt Lake Vally, and I had been wanting to become a police officer since my early childhood. I wanted to become an officer with West Jordan because I knew of the fine legacy built by officers like Thomas Reese. The professionalism displayed by the men and women of that agency is above reproach. Officer Reese, I never met you, but want to thank you for your dedication to the Badge. I'm sad that you are not here with us any more, but please watch over us. To your son, I respect you for carrying on your fathers legacy, and that of all fallen officers everywhere. To all officers still on watch, stay safe.

Agent Robert Powell
U.S. Border Patrol

April 8, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 31, 2008

Tom Rees was a great friend and an exceptional police officer. I admired Tom both as an officer and as a human being. Tom and I came on the department together. When we were just new on the department, my wife and I were headed East for vacation one summer. Tom came by and asked me if I needed him to feed our dog and mow our lawn while we were gone. Although I'd already arranged for a brother-in-law to handle those chores, I never forgot Tom's kind offer. We didn't even know each other that well back then. I remember thinking how kind and thoughtful that was and I resolved to do the same for others. That’s just the way Tom was – always there for you. After we got to know each other better, Tom was assigned to detectives and I was on the road. Whenever I was had a hard day and Tom was still in his office, I'd stop in. Tom would always take a few minutes to chat. He always cheered me up. The word "friend" was more than just a word for Tom. Professionally, there was never a finer officer. Tom had absolute confidence in himself as a law enforcement officer. He always handled every situation intelligently and professionally. Despite the esteem in which he was held by his peers, Tom never put on airs or thought he was better than anyone. He had nothing but praise and encouragement for all the people he worked with from the top ranks to the lowest. Tom Rees was one of the best police officers and finest human beings I have ever known. Tom, it was my honor to have served with you. It was my privilege to have been your friend. It's been more than 21 years but I still remember and miss you. God be with you till we meet again, old friend.
-- Lance Hamner

Prosecuting Attorney
Johnson County Prosecutor's Office (Indiana)

May 12, 2007

My dad was best friends with Tom, it still brings tears to his eyes when he talks about what a good father, man and officer Tom was. He's gone but he will never be forgotten. His legacy will always live on.

Friend

April 11, 2007

What a terrible situation! Officer Rees, neither you nor your sacrifice have not been forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

March 12, 2007

I am proud to say that he was my Dad for a short while. I was almost 3-yrs-old when he died. I remember all of the good times we had. He was the best Dad any girl could ever ask for. I remember him getting on the floor and playing with me. He was an amazing man, and he made my mom so happy. I don't know how she got through those times. I would give anything to go back in time and change things. I miss him so much! And I do know that Travis is carrying on his legacy. I am proud to call Travis my brother. He is such an incredible person.

Ciji Capurro
Step-Daughter

February 18, 2007

Tom and I met the day we tested for the police department. We immediately became friends. Tom was one of the finest officers I ever worked with. He had great instincts, he was absolutely fearless, and he was always fun to be around. He was also one of the most thoughtful people I've ever met. Even the bad guys liked Tom because he was always fair. Tom, I still miss you, buddy. I'll see you again some day.
-- Lance

Lance Hamner, Prosecuting Attorney
Johnson County Prosecutor's Office (Indiana)

March 6, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Thomas Rees and most especially to Officer Rees himself:

On this the twentieth anniversay of your untimely death, please know you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication to your job will always be remembered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for your service to your community and the citizens of Utah and the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on February 23, 1986.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

February 23, 2006

Officer Reese, I'm sorry I was never able to meet you. But if your son Travis is anything like you then I have. You would be proud of him, I am proud to work with him.

Sergeant

Be proud my brother...your son continues the work.

Sergeant
South Jordan Police