Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

OMG
it’s been 40 years now, we not only lost a police officer, we also lost one hell of a young woman …. As time goes on it’s sad how many have forgotten when we lost one of Pawtucket’s Finest …….

Many of us that worked with #142 D.A.T will never forget that night or the wonderful young lady she was !!!

D A Tomlinson will be missed by all of us as time goes on and the many lives that she had such a Positive influence on…….
M Nastari

M Nastari
Pawtucket PD

August 17, 2024

Patrolwoman Tomlinson, it has been 40 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 7 months of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

June 26, 2024

Patrolwoman Tomlinson,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Pawtucket. And to your Family and loved ones, wish t extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 26, 2024

I woke up in the middle of the night and realized today marks the 40th year since you left us. You live on in my daughter who has your name as her middle one...and just like you she wanted a career in law enforcement, but your dad (Chief Tomlinson-retired) told her straight how it was going to be and she chose a different path. She reminds me so much of you, she is determined in everything she does. She plays ice hockey, following again in your footsteps. You would be so proud of her achievements and I am sure you are watching over her today.

Your favorite little cousin

June 26, 2024

Officer Tomlinson, You are not forgotten by the men and women of law enforcement. RIP

Mike Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.

June 26, 2023

Officer Tomlinson, it has been 39 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

June 26, 2023

I had the opportunity to ride with Doreen one night on the 2nd shift when she was brand new on patrol and she was assigned to my vehicle .

It was a slow night, nothing happening and I asked her if she had made any arrest or done any reports. She told me no. I could tell she didn’t want to just ride around doing nothing.

We drove back to the station, grabbed a couple of municipal arrest warrants (traffic violations, failure to appear) and headed back out. I told her this was going to be fun.

First place we went to I had her knock on the door. She wanted to know what to say if someone answered . I looked at the warrant, saw the person we were looking for was named mike. Told her if someone answers just ask if mike is home.

A female answered from the other side of the door after Doreen knocked and wanted to know who was at the door. I Told Doreen just say it’s Doreen and ask for mike. When she did the Door comes flying open because the female who answered wants to know who this Doreen person is. Doreen sees a male standing behind the female, confirmed he is the mike we are looking for and placed him under arrest. She look at me as she walked him to our car and said this is great. I think I had her do 3 or 4 more. One guy was in the bath room on the toilet; Doreen told him to come out when he was done so she could arrest him. It was a good night.

Paperwork, reports she didn’t mind doing and didn’t need any help with it. I’m thinking she was going to be a pretty good cop and I told her that.

She was pretty smart, able memorize vin numbers after looking at them through the windshield. I found this out when I asked her to get the vin for the accident report I was doing. She walked over to the vehicle, came right back and told me the numbers. Few minutes later I needed the number again and asked her for the paper she wrote it down on. She told me she memorized it and didn’t need to write it down and told the numbers again. “you can memorize vin numbers I said to her.” All she said was yeah. I was very impressed with her then and still am now.

I will always remember Doreen as a cop.

Detective sergeant (r)
Pawtucket

January 2, 2022

Auntie Dor,

We never met. That doesn’t change the fact that you have been kept alive by our family every day since you have been gone. I never knew you were so young. Forever 22. Reading all of these reflections prove just how much you made an impact in that short time. I hope you and Grammie are at peace. We love you always.

Daina
your brother John’s daughter

November 22, 2021

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

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

June 27, 2020

she was working for us in an undercover investigation and for a person who never did this before she was fantastic I will always remember her she left too early she would have had a fantastic career.

Bob byron Det Sgt
Pawtucket Police Special Squad

June 27, 2019

Omg. It has been so many years gone by and still the month of June and that spot on power road have and continue to change so many lives.

We all remember her bright smile and warm personality..In such a short period of time that very special young lady touched so many lives in various ways

#142 was taken from us all way too soon. She was a wonderful young Lady and such a promising young officer that was following in the footsteps in the police officers that touched her life .....

But make no mistake she was one of the most independent, intelligent and toughest young woman I have ever known in my years in Police services.

When you talk of role models DAT-142 of the PPD was at the top of the list !!!!

Doreen is missed by all and whenever she is brought up in our conversations thought of after all these years you can’t help but SMILE .

A classy young Lady that will always be remembered by all ......
Mike

Mike Nastari
Retired Pawtucket P/D

June 27, 2019

My academy classmate, my dear friend. You should be living someplace warm, watching your grandchildren grow. I kept this picture in my uniform hat for 29 years. I knew you were watching over me. I miss you.

Col. Jack Shippee (ret )
RIMPA Class 83-3

June 26, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 26, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolwoman Tomlinson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2019

It's been 32 years, doesn't seem possible, think of you often. God bless, thanks for watching over me.
Classmate and friend, RIMPA 83/3

Col. Jack m. Shippee (ret)
Charlestown Police

June 27, 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

June 26, 2015

A car chase can be so exhilarating and terrifying, all at once. We cannot just let the bad guys get away simply because they speed up, and yet we're told that it's our fault if someone gets hurt in a pursuit. Insane, I know.

You were doing your job and your goal was to catch the bad guy, it's what we do. It's so tragic that, because of the actions of the person being pursued you had to lose your life and those that knew and loved you best lost you.

On this 30th anniversary of you being take from all who knew and loved you, and from the wonderful City of Pawtucket, all I can say is I hope you are resting peacefully and thank you for being who you were. The citizens of Pawtucket never got to know your true potential, and that makes it all the more tragic. Too young.

God Bless and may you be resting eternally in Peace, Sister.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

June 26, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 4, 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 24th anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

November 30, 2012

28 years after your death, you are not forgotten.

It's a tragedy that you died at such a young age. Were you still with us today, you'd be fifty years old, probably even showing your fellow officers the ropes!

It is sad that you were taken so young and had not reached your full potential as a peace officer.

May you rest in peace; you will not be forgotten.

Marylander

November 24, 2012

Doreen , I remember that dreadful day in june of 84, and I remember walking behind your fellow officers leaving the church that day in your honor . It was a sad and long moment of reflection. But , your fellow Pawtucket officers and the FOP ,which I was a member ,joined up with many other police departments as far away as New York and organized a soft ball tournament at Slater Park in your memory . It was a great rememberance of a fine person such as yourself and your fellow officers who were there for you. May God watch over you and your family . God Bless.

Normand A.Morel
Friend

May 5, 2010

Aunty Dor,
I believe its been 25 years since you have passed away. I am 18 and unfortunatly I have never gotten the chance to meet you. Though I wish I had, Grammy, Pappa, my dad, everyone in the family speaks so highly of you. Ever since I was little grammy has told me that you were always looking over the family, and with that I've always felt connected to you. Thank You.

I miss you and Love you.

Ian Tomlinson
Nefew

June 12, 2009

Officeer Tomlinson,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Pawtucket. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

June 26, 2008

Doreen,

I am an Attleboro Police Officer and I had the opportunity to meet you during one of the thousands of encounters Pawtucket and Attleboro officers have had over the years. I apologize for not leaving a reflection earlier then this date. I did attend the celebration of your entering into a much better place then the streets you policed. You gave it all kid. Hope to see you one of these days in that special place that God has reserved for the POLICE.

Detective Timothy Cook Sr.
Attleboro Police

Detective Timothy Cook
Attleboro Police Dept.

April 20, 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 24, 2008