Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 16, 2021

Thomas graduated with me from the NE Ga. Police Academy in November 1978. Thomas was such an easy going young man. He worked really hard in the academy. I remember he and I running together in our PT training. I was hurt deeply, as all of his classmates hurt, because of his murder.

Lt. Curtis Veal,
Retired Elbert Co. SO

June 16, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Rowry.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2020

Like others who have posted here, I was an academy classmate of Thomas Rowry and, like others, it was my first, but not last, police funeral. He was murdered just months after graduating the police academy.
There were only 15 of us in that class, and 40 years ago this week we started the career that would bring about his death, but save so many lives.
He was a good man.....I miss him 40 years later.

Sheriff Scott Berry
Academy classmate/Friend

August 16, 2018

I worked with this man.He was a fine officer and I was proude to have known him .

Special Investigator Mike Richardson
Greene-Morgan county Sheriffs Dept

April 10, 2018

I also went to the academy with Thomas as he sat next to me in the classroom. I attended his service as an officer with the Clarke County Police. Over the years I have often thought and shared the story Thomas and the circumstances of his sacrifice. Retired now, I am a survivor, and Thomas will never be forgotten. Thomas, sadly is my first to watch over me from the streets of Heaven 1. Law Enforcement officer will always go to Heaven. We patrolled the streets of Hell here on Earth!

Ret. Ron Kelley
Clarke County P.D / Osceola County Fl.

March 1, 2017

I went to the police academy with Thomas too in 1978. He worked really hard at being the best cadet he could be. He was a fine man and fellow officer. I have never forgotten him and will always hold dear his service and sacrifice.

Lt.(Ret.) Curtis Veal
Office Of The Sheriff Elbert Co.,Ga

February 23, 2017

I went through the Northeast Georgia Police acdy. in Athens, Georgia with Thomas Rowry, He most certainly was a good man and good Police Officer.
Rest In Peace my friend.

Sheriff (Ret.) Jack Darrell Fortson
Office Of The Sheriff Madison County GA.

July 16, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 16, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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 never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 24, 2012

RIP SIR... I am so angry right now after reading that your killers were set free! My condolences to the family...

PO
Peekskill PD

May 16, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Rowry. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 3, 2012

"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

October 10, 2007

I will refrain from passing any judgement regarding the Arrestee. Perhaps, I am mellowing out, as I get older. May Your Soul Rest - In - Peace, Patrolman Rowry.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

May 16, 2007

Cop on the Take

First he takes the oath.

Now look at all he takes.

He takes it in stride when people call him pig.

He takes time to stop and talk to children.

He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.

He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.

He takes your injured child to the hospital.

He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because it's his turn.

He takes his life into his hands daily.

He takes you home when your car breaks down.

He takes time to explain why both your headlights have to work.

He takes the job no one else wants--telling you a loved one has died.

He takes criminals to jail.

He takes in sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries too, but he takes it anyway because someone has to.

If he is lucky, he takes retirement.

He takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.

Sometimes, he takes a bullet.

And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.

Then one day he pays for all he has taken, and God takes him.

Please remember that the "He" in all this represents all police officers, both men and women who have served and are serving our cities and their citizens we have all sworn to protect.

Blessed are the peace keepers!

Jamie

May 8, 2007

The fact that the suspect received a second trial and was acquitted of your murder is appalling and makes me angry! Thank you for your service as an officer and for your sacrifice.

PSO C.W. Edwards
North Augusta (SC) Dept. of Public Safety

April 8, 2007

I wish I had the chance to get to know you. I always heard great things about you. I've been through a lot in my life many up's and down's. I try to stay positive and focus. I work as a Supervisor in a Sear's FMDC, located in Tucker, GA. I am one of the youngest Supervisor in my building. I give you and my Mother credit, for making me the strong person I am today. I hope I'm making you proud, and when I have kids, I will make sure they know who their Grandfather was. I can't hate the guy that murdered you, I can only pray for him. I feel that justice was not served in this case, This guy shot two officers, and he was set free, who was running the courts back then? I had to grow up without a father in my life, I have a strong Mother(Doris G Beasley)that always told me to be strong. I will do just that!!! I love you daddy, and keep looking out for your son. I will continue to make you and my mother proud.

" If anybody out their knew my daddy. You can contact me at: Cell: 678-463-5507. Email: [email protected]

Thomas Rowry III
Son

March 13, 2007

Tom and I sat next to each other and were partners through the N.E. Georgia Police Academy. From the Barrow Co. S.O. to the Clarke County P.D. I went and soon learned that Tom was also coming to Clarke Co. P.D. Then the trajic news came of Tom's death. I have never forgotten Tom, even after 28 years. You were the first officer's service I attended and with memories ever lasting. As a Training Coordinator for a large Florida Sheriff's Office, may deputies and officers always go home at the end of their shift. "What a man does for himself, he will take to his grave. What a man does for others will carry into eternity". You have carried on in my life and I am sure the lives of many others.

D/S Ron Kelley

D/S Ron Kelley
Osceola Sheriff's Office, Fl.

February 19, 2007

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

October 11, 2006

No Officer needs to be forgotten. As I read that the suspect got a second trial, and was aquitted of the murder is just unbelievable! Rest in Peace Officer Rowry.

A Hero In The Night
Next time a cop stops you because you are driving too fast,
Remember he saved you from that day being your last.
When you think he's picking on someone,
Why not think of what they could have done?
Next time you call him a name,
Would he have called you the same?
How would you feel to see a child beaten black and blue?
And knowing there is not much you can really do.
You can arrest them and hope they stay in jail,
But, too many times it doesn't work that well.
To see the face of someone right before they die,
When he can't but all he wants to do is cry.
To break up a fight, knowing later it will be worse,
And from his help, all that came was him being cursed.
To know that people don't respect what he chose to do,
But day after day, he's out there to protect people like you.
To see drugs sold to a child younger than his own,
Makes his heart ache and long for his home.
The job has no glamour, doesn't even pay well,
He does it because he cares for more than himself.
He cares for you and he cares for me,
He's out there hoping we will all see.
He took a path not many would take,
And he chose it for our sake.
He's a remarkable soul, a Hero in the Night,
When all is well, he's not in sight.
But, if you ever need him, he'll be right there,
Not just because he's a cop but because he cares.
Author Unknown

Mother of a Police Officer

September 27, 2004

I was just fifteen years old when your tour of duty ended so quickly and so violently. I had spoken to you earlier that day at the grocery store where I worked as a bag boy. You never seemed to mind being hounded by the questions of a young boy who you knew had the itch to some day wear that badge and uniform as you did. I still remember that late night phone call to my house and the look of shock and disbelief on my dad's face when he was being advised of the shooting incident that had occurred at the police department where he had worked with you as Assistant Chief. I simply could not believe it when dad told me the tragic news; things like that only happened in the bigger departments, not in places like small, and peaceful Union Point.

You are not forgotten Officer Rowry. I can still see you smiling as you got in your car to drive away from the store on that fateful day. I have served with a number of different police agencies since then, and I never will forget the sacrifice that you and so many countless other officers have given doing the job that we who are in it love doing, being a police officer. REST IN PEACE OFFICER ROWRY.

Officer Randall A. Murphy
Greensboro Police ( Ga )

March 29, 2004