Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Thedford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2021

I had just walked in the den and I heard the call. I followed Rescue 5 down Dartmouth Avenue and watched as the Medics frantically tried to stabilize you. I drove Jimmy Bates around in Car 205 until we got the word that all of us that were there KNEW was coming. I drove back to the scene, got my personal vehicle, went home, showered, shaved and hit the streets looking for the low life. Guess it was good that I didn't find him. The next day, I got drunk and wrote an op-ed that was printed in both Birmingham Papers and several other publications (" If only the public cared"). There were MANY responses from it. Those that were there wondered why he was sent on that situation ALONE ? The question was never answered. The low life wasn't executed and to my knowledge is still alive. Rest in Peace my Brother, 'til we meet again.

Patrolman Tom Burtnett
Former Officer Bessemer Police Dept.

August 20, 2021

I had just walked in the den and I heard the call. I followed Rescue 5 down Dartmouth Avenue and watched as the Medics frantically tried to stabilize you. I drove Jimmy Bates around in Car 205 until we got the word that all of us that were there KNEW was coming. I drove back to the scene, got my personal vehicle, went home, showered, shaved and hit the streets looking for the low life. Guess it was good that I didn't find him. The next day, I got drunk and wrote an op-ed that was printed in both Birmingham Papers and several other publications (" If only the public cared"). There were MANY responses from it. Those that were there wondered why he was sent on that situation ALONE ? The question was never answered. The low life wasn't executed and to my knowledge is still alive. Rest in Peace my Brother, 'til we meet again.

Patrolman Tom Burtnett
Former Officer Bessemer Police Dept.

August 20, 2021

Your gone but never forgotten love u brother

Brother
Brother Tommy Junior Thedford

April 14, 2021

RIP, my dear cuz, we spent so much time together . I remember when i couldn't go to school and you stayed with me ,while my grandmother worked . You never complain about keeping your little brother . There wasn't nobody that you wouldn't help . So many times ,you kelp my uncle Leroy out of jail . I remember watching you play football on Saturdays , i couldn't play because Saturdays was for the older boys , so we would have to wait til you all finished or wait til Sundays to play . It's been some years now since you have been gone , now you can be with your dad and son , and now with your mom , may God continue to bless you . I will always love you for sure , i miss you . Rest In Peace my dear cuz .

Michael Todd
cousin

October 26, 2018

RIP Officer Thedford. The criminal justice system is a joke. This man walked the streets to kill you after everything else he had done prior to that. Reading what happened to you sir turns my stomach.

Deputy Constable Anonymous Anonymous
31 years of service

April 21, 2018

Never forgotten and missed constantly, he was so special. I would like to thank so many for all their reflections.

B Thedford

March 14, 2018

Rest in peace my brother, you are not forgotten. Your faithful service is remembered today and always. May God bless your family for losing you much to soon.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

October 2, 2015

A father missed but a hero remembered. I am grateful to read wonderful things about the man who helped to make me but a man that I don't know. None the less, I am proud to call you father and I hope I make you proud as well as you look down from heaven.

LaShaundra Thedford-Smith, MD
daughter

February 15, 2015

we never got a chance to me in my heart i fill like i new u my hold life.i look at your picture all the time . i miss u so much and here great things about u r.i.p my brother i will always love u....

Tamberlyn Thedford
sister

September 5, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 26, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 19, 2012

My friend and brother in arms Big T. I will ever remember your laugh. The way you would get so tickled that you were bent over, unable to stand. Your love for life and mischievous nature. The times you worked security off duty at the grocery store when I would bring my family to shop. My children's eyes would light up when they saw you and when you scooped them up in those powerful arms and parade around the store they would laugh at the people who turned to stare at this big black man carrying those two little pasty white girls. I also remember the calls where we had each others backs. That sense of security you brought to the scene. Your imposing presence and authority that stopped so many problems before they started. I remember being in the emergency room at Lloyd Nolan as the doctors struggled to save you and the crushing moment when the doctor said he was calling it. I even remember putting that black band around my badge. The rest was a blur. The military funeral was huge and magnificent but then we were back on call like nothing had happened. But something had happened. A part of us was gone and I would stare at that photo in the lobby and miss those laughs, those pranks, and that strength. A uniformed officer is a big blue piece of talking furniture who tries to solve all of society's ills but those who love the man behind the uniform may be the only ones who really know what a treasure the community lost that day. And Tommy Lee Thedford was a traesure.

Civillian / former officer
Bessemer Police

November 13, 2012

31 yrs ago today you made the ultimate sacrifice for your family, friends & community. May you be saluted on this day for your bravery and courage and may God's love and grace blanket those who grieve for your loss.

Danny McCoy
Corrections Program Coordinator
MI Dept. of Corrections

October 1, 2012

rip my brother love tamberlyn thedford your sister...

tamberlyn thedford
sister

July 27, 2012

We Never Even Meet Before ...!!!RiP Uncle Tommy

Condarrus Thedford
My Uncle

September 8, 2010

My Father Clarence (Buster) Pitts was Tommy Thedford's partner while working at Bessemer Police Tommy was the Best. I have lost several friends to this line of work and My Father tried keeping me from doing this as I am having the fight with my Son..... Miss You Tommy and I remember how bad I felt when I heard the news, I would not see you anymore....

I spoke to a little boy age three
who asked a lot of questions of me.
The boy asked "why do you wear a gun?"
"If only I could answer that one."

The boy asked
"what is that long stick for?"
Again, I replied same as the last one ...
"If only I could answer that one Son."

The boy then asked
"Is chasing bad guys fun?"
I then replied
"No but, it must be done."

The boy then tapped my badge as I knelt
and looking into his eyes my heart began to melt.

He said "Daddy, when I get big I want a badge like that one
and a car with lights that goes woo-woo!"
I said "that's wonderful son!"...and thought
"My son, if only you knew".


Sgt Pitts
Springfield Police Department
Springfield Florida

Sgt Dennis Pitts
Friend

November 8, 2008

My Father Clarence (Buster) Pitts was Tommy Thedford's partner while working at Bessemer Police Tommy was the Best. I have lost several friends to this line of work and My Father tried keeping me from doing this as I am having the fight with my Son..... Miss You Tommy and I remember how bad I felt when I heard the news, I would not see you anymore....

I spoke to a little boy age three
who asked a lot of questions of me.
The boy asked "why do you wear a gun?"
"If only I could answer that one."

The boy asked
"what is that long stick for?"
Again, I replied same as the last one ...
"If only I could answer that one Son."

The boy then asked
"Is chasing bad guys fun?"
I then replied
"No but, it must be done."

The boy then tapped my badge as I knelt
and looking into his eyes my heart began to melt.

He said "Daddy, when I get big I want a badge like that one
and a car with lights that goes woo-woo!"
I said "that's wonderful son!"...and thought
"My son, if only you knew".


Sgt Pitts
Springfield Police Department
Springfield Florida

Sgt Dennis Pitts
Friend

November 8, 2008

You are remmebered today and thank yo Sir for your service.
this writer hopes that justice was served appropriately and quickly on your behalf.

Pat Van Den Berghe

October 13, 2007

I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your brutal and tragic murder. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

October 1, 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.

July 11, 2007

I grew up living next door to Tommy and his wife. I had just moved shortly before he was killed. I will say Tommy was a fine man and loved police work. He made the ultimate sacrifice and for that I am grateful

Rest in Peace, Tommy

F Jacks
Friend

April 9, 2007

Always remembered.....A salute to your sacrifice.

Police Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA

February 15, 2007

GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.

ANNONYMOUS

December 26, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Thedford. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

September 25, 2006