Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Two members of the NYPD were assassinated a few days ago, and as I reflect on this with great sadness, I'm reminded of my boyfriend Cy Galletta's stories of his partner Tom Schimenti. Cy passed away a few years ago. He spoke of Tom often, the passing years did not diminish the pain he felt at the loss of his friend. At this devastating time for the NYPD, as two more names have been added to this website, I think of Cy and Tom also.

Kate Hurley

December 21, 2014

Although I never personally met Tom, I feel as if I know him. He was a fellow LEO and a member of the MTS Precinct. I started my NYPD career there in 1981. Tom was already gone, but never forgotten. I can still see the flowers in the precinct stationhouse that were placed at his memorial every year on the anniversary of his death. Members of the command that knew Tom, spoke fondly about our fallen brother. He is truly one of New York's Finest and will always live on in our hearts and minds. His daughter Gina's remarks above brought a tears to my eyes. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by way too many fallen brothers and sisters. Rest in peace Tom.

Retired Lt. Dennis Cirillo
NYPD

April 4, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. Like you, he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of bank robbers.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 17, 2010

My husband, Ron Beck, (now deceased) and I worked with Tom in Communications. A kinder, gentler PO could not be found. I say a little prayer for him whenever I pass the spot where I heard the awful news.

Mary Colway Beck
Communications

February 9, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Schimenti and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

August 10, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

July 12, 2008

A Father Figure to so many young children always a smile always a reflection of of a true loving man Thomas Schimenti .Your my everything.

June 15, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 2, 2008

I was looking through a book that belonged to my Husband. The book is called "Street Cops", by Jill Freedman. In it, NY Officers talked about their job, and the Line of Duty death of Thomas Schimenti, which prompted me to write this reflection. Twenty years after Tom's death, in 2000, my own husband was killed on duty. I wish Tom's family peace, and the reassurance that we never forget.

Kim Dingwall
Widow of CT Sgt. George R. Dingwall

Kim Dingwall
Widow of Fallen Officer

November 29, 2007

I never forgot Ptl. Schimenti's bravery on that day in August,1979.
I was working in the bank at that time and always remember he would come in to visit the bank as he walked his beat.
He made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.

Marianne Casey

October 20, 2007

Recently I was working with two detectives who both have more than thirty years on the job. We were passing Grand Central and they both started reflecting on Tom Schimenti and the day that he was killed. They spoke as if it happened yesterday. I thought the family might want to know that he is alive in many hearts and minds.

Detective Emilio D'Addio
NYPD

January 24, 2006

Thomas Schimenti A True Peace officer...I will wait another day to see you again ..........one more kiss and one more hug thats all i want for christmas, i miss you my daddy. I love you, your ten year old still waits for you to come home.
Love Gina Marie Schimenti

Gina Schimenti

December 21, 2005

You were my friend before Aug. 17, 1979.We shard a room each year at the annual Retreat in Queens.
I responded to your 10-13 at Grand Central Station and was one of the first cars on the scene. I saw them carry you to the ambulance. I was the lead RMP to race you to Belleuve Hospita. I was beside you when they carried you to the E.R. I was inches from you when they ripped your shirt off. Even at this time I never looked at your face. I saw the small bullet hole in your blue shirt. I wondered how a bullet could pierce a POLICE shirt. I offered and waited to give you blood. It was not necessary, you were gone. When they mentioned it was you I could not believe it was you and I did not look at your face. I miss you, Tom, and often think of you.
P.S. You never got the opportunity to tell me how they do the "Three Card Monte" trick. One day you can fill me in, but I hope it won't be that soon.
Your friend,
Pat

P.O. Patrick Granowski
NYPD

February 11, 2005

I knew Tom while I was assigned to the 6th Pct. We worked together many times in the RMP or on a detail. He was always a pleasure to work with.
He was later transfered to Midtown. You're not forgotten my friend.

PO Dennis Conner Retired
NYPD