Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Patrol Officer Tolsma.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 1, 2020

I looked up David Tolsma today as I am going through some old photos and came across one without a name but that looks strikingly like David. He is perhaps 6 or 7 years old and has a young child, a year old, on his lap. He did have a younger sister, Donna. David was the great nephew to the "aunt" my sister and I lived with growing up in Elma. The day he was killed I was dropping my children off before I went to UB for classes. The radio announced that a Depew officer had been shot and killed. Before his name was given I had this awful feeling that it was a name i didn't want to hear - David Tolsma. I think most of us don't stop to realize that each time a police officer goes to work - whether male or female - there is always the possibility that he or she may not come home. I saw Jason's note that his Mom had done a good job raising him and his sister. May you and your family continue to be blessed with all that life has to offer. I am so sorry for your loss all those years ago; that you did not get to share those years with your Dad.

If indeed this is a picture of a young David, i would be more than happy to see that it gets to the family.

Sally Knox, not a member of police famil
David Tolsma was the nephew of the non-relative aunt I was raised by.

April 17, 2018

It's just a shame that a fine upstanding man was murdered while his scumbag killer still lives.

Susan Woodward

December 23, 2015

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

Robyn Wilkes

October 13, 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 36th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged 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. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 23, 2013

I seem to find myself thinking of you more and more everyday. Mom has done a great job of raising Kim and I.

Thank you for watching over us everyday!

Jason
Son

June 15, 2013

Saw a memorial sign near the Holiday Inn on Genesee street and had to find out more about this man. He is not forgotten and the sign helped me remember how precious life is. May he rest in peace and may more people notice the sign and think of him.

Leanne Smielecki
concerned citizen

May 22, 2013

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

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 29, 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

December 18, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 17, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother

Patrolman
Town of Tonawanda Poice Department

September 2, 2006

DAY IS DONE,
GONE THE SUN,
FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE SKIES.
ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST,
GOD IS NIGH.

GO TO SLEEP, PEACEFUL SLEEP,
MAY THE SOLDIER OR SAILOR, GOD KEEP.
ON THE LAND OR THE DEEP,
SAFE IN SLEEP.

LOVE, GOOD NIGHT,
MUST THOU GO,
WHEN THE DAY, AND THE NIGHT NEED THEE SO?
ALL IS WELL. SPEEDETH ALL
TO THEIR REST.

FADES THE LIGHT;
AND AFAR
GOETH DAY, AND THE STARS SHINETH BRIGHT,
FARE THEE WELL; DAY IS GONE,
NIGHT IS ON.

THANKS AND PRAISE,
FOR OUR DAYS,
'NEATH THE SUN, 'NEATH THE STARS, 'NEATH THE SKY,
AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW,
GOD IS NIGH.

A Brother In Blue

Detective Troy S. Pilivi
Box Elder Narcotics Strike Force (Utah)

October 20, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

October 20, 2004