Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tommy was an instructor of mine at the academy in Seminole Couty in mid 70s. Superb instructor and a truly good man. I worked for Brevard County SO until 1993 and heard about Tommy's death a year or so afterwards. No internet then so no way to post a memory. I'm long retired and for some reason I thought of Tommy today and looked him up. I remain saddended at the terrible loss but I'm happy to see so many remember him. He was a credit to the Highway Patrol and to Law Enforcement!

Burton J Brown, SGT RET
Brevard County Sheriff's Department

April 11, 2023

You will never be forgotten Warrior- you helped make the world a better place!

Detective Bryan Bonitati
Maryland Department of Public Safety

December 24, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

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

July 13, 2020

Rest in peace Corporal Tomlinson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2019

I was a very young Deputy finishing my shift the day Tommy was killed. I was heartbroken because I had just finished the Police Academy where he also served as an instructor & he was one of the best we had. As an 18 year old kid in the Academy, he too the time to be kind to me. I've never forgotten his laughter & good humor. RIP Cpl.

Philip Cochran
St. Johns County Sheriffs Office

September 28, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Corporal Tomlinson, we will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us. HEROES live forever...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 13, 2012

Rest in Peace, Corporal Tomlinson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Hey, Tommy. I served with Cpl. Tomlinson in Seminole County in the late '70s. A funny guy and a great traffic homicide investigator. I'll always remember you, Tommy. Rest In Peace, Trooper.

Trooper Gary Shuler
Florida Highway Patrol

September 12, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 13, 2010

YOU WERE THE FIRST TROOPER I MET WHEN I STARTED WITH THE PATROL IN SEMINOLE COUNTY. YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND AND I THINK ABOUT YOU OFTEN.

SGT JAMES SMITH
LYNN HAVEN, FL, POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 1, 2010

CPL TOMLINSON, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

June 1, 2008

Just happened to stumble upon this page. I knew "Tommy" well, and worked with him many, many hours. He was one of the really "good guys". He always had a smile on his face and treated one and all with courtesy and respect. He strongly promoted cooperation between agencies, which meant better law enforcement all around. For many years, I flew the SCSO plane(s), and Tommy would jump at any chance to fly. I well remember the day he died. There was great sadness throughout the state.

Lt. Jerry Capshaw (retired)
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

March 11, 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 12, 2007

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Corporal Tomlinson. We honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever. We rarely know it when a hero walks among us. Today, because of the sacrifice Corporal Tomlinson has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family of Corporal Tomlinson, I want to say that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Corporal Tomlinson is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

SA Thomas Doyle
FBI New York

January 14, 2007

TOMMY WAS THE FIRST TROOPER THAT I MET WHEN I WENT ON THE PATROL IN 1973 IN SANFORD.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS A CARING, FUN-LOVING INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP A YOUNG, NEW TROOPER SETTLING INTO A NEW JOB IN A NEW TOWN.
YOU WERE INDEED "ONE OF FLORIDA'S FINEST".

SGT. JAMES SMITH
LYNN HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 10, 2007

TOMMY YOUR TROOP "G" TROOPERS STILL MISS YOU,WE SEE YOU EVERYDAY IN P-7..ALONG WITH OUR NEW ROOKIES.THEY ARE GOOD BOYS,YOU WOULD BE PROUD!

TROOPER
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

December 4, 2006

My family ran a wrecker service for many years in Seminole County, Fla and so we knew all the troopers. "Tommy" Tomlinson was well known to us as he worked that area for 15 or 20 years before moving on to St. Augustine. One time I was out on a FHP call pulling a car out of a water filled ditch. I had just finished pulling the car up to the back of the wrecker and was preparing it for towing when I heard a "Watch out" followed by BANG BANG BANG...I turned around to see Tommy Tomlinson emptying his service revolver into the ditch. Right where I had been wading moments before was a large water moccasin!! P.S. He missed the snake.

Bob

Bob
former acquaintance

November 4, 2006

You will always be my hero. Although you are gone, you are not forgotten. You will always live in our hearts. And I know you gave your life in the line of duty and doing what you loved!! You will always be a hero and you left a special place in everyones heart that you knew or crossed your path. You are still watching over us from heaven. I love you and miss you everyday. It is not your end of watch, it is just from a different place.
Your loving daughter!!
Bonnie

Bonnie Tomlinson-Clark

March 31, 2006

I often think of you and your friendship with my Daddy. I think of the day my Daddy turned his police car over during a pursuit and you quickly responded from you evening meal to help him. I will always be grateful for your kindness and friendship. I know the two of you have crossed paths again in heaven. I thank you for your years of service in the law enforcement community.

Mary Kelsey Walker

January 10, 2006

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

A grateful citizen.

September 27, 2004

Your FHP family remembers your sacrifice.

TROOPER
FHP

June 2, 2004

God bless you and your family at your tragic loss.

DE
St. Louis City Police

May 25, 2004

Rest in peace. Not forgotten.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

February 18, 2004

I DIDN'T KNOW YOU, BUT I THINK OF YOU AND OTHER FALLEN TROOPERS OFTEN.

TPR. S.W. COODY
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

October 21, 2003