Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It is 2024. We met in 1992. I have become old, retired. You are still young in my heart. You were the best of us. You died a warrior for good. I am honored to have been your friend.

Correctional Officer
ODOC

March 30, 2024

It has been over 25 years, but I woke from another heartbreaking dream about you this morning. A dream that reminded me you were deep in my heart and just as I remembered. Now though, I saw little haunting clues that I was living in a dream. A dream where I knew that, although you stood in front of me, you were no longer really there. I asked you questions that you couldn't answer because your lovely image was simply the reflection of my own aching heart.

Vicki Jeffries

December 30, 2022

I'm the 7 year old boy who was shot that night. I still think of Tom almost every day and pray for Vicky and his family.

Benjamin Tyler Ballentine
Boy that was shot by suspect

August 27, 2022

Tom and I worked as Correctional Officers together and later attended the Oregon Police Academy together. He was a fine man with a wonderful personality. He loved police work, perhaps more than anyone I ever met. I will never forget him.

Detective Glenn Fairall, Retired
Albany Police Department

August 1, 2022

Officer Jeffries,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Portland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 21, 2022

This incident just came flowing back to me after a young officer was killed up in Washington state this week.
I had watch Jeff memorial on t.v then left to go to work. I lived in N. Portland. Saw the big possession of officer behind this hurst. Woke up this morning 45 years after this, couldn't get him out of my mind. I have thought about him, his name often though out the years.hope pray his unborn child grew up knowing that his dad is still alive in a complete stranger heart. He was truly loved and care about forever by a greatful community.

Toni Wilson
Citizen of Portland

March 22, 2022

I was with Multnomah County Sherriff's Office assigned to the Court Services Unit at the time of Officer Jeffries death. My wife and I attended his memorial service and the procession to his resting place. The number of people that attended his service was amazing. I sat on the trial every day the entire time. Very emotional to hear the details. Officer Jeffries pursued the suspect and was relentless to catch him. His dedication and commitment to his career showed through and still impresses me to this day, 22 years later. God Speed sir.

Deputy Brett Guinan
Multnomah County Sherriff's Office 1993-2004.

October 19, 2021

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

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

July 21, 2020

I went to high school with Tom and in school there will always be bullies. They picked on me because i was a new guy and Tom because he was the smart book worm type guy.There was one guy that would not leave him alone and i told Tom you have to do something or he wont leave you alone. The next time this guy came up and shoved him hard Tom closed his eyes and through a couple wild punches (he had long arms) and knocked the bully to his knees. I remember this well, he opened his eyes,his glasses were broken and hanging side ways and he looked down at the guy and said Hum! and walked off with his head held high. I am not for violence or fighting, nor was he but that memory will stick with me for the rest of my life. See ya down the road Tom!

John Wells
friend

April 28, 2020

Tom
I worked closely with your father in the past and was in law enforcement. It may have been 22 or more years ago, but I still remember your memorial and the incredible outpouring of support from the community for you and your family.

Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly
Retired Detective, Beaverton PD

September 24, 2019

Officer Thomas Jeffries
My good friend. As a Reserve Deputy You spent many shifts with me. You dreamed of becoming a Portland Police Officer. You followed your dream. I still miss You my brother.

Retired Deputy Paul Box
Polk County Sheriff’s Office

July 22, 2019

It’s been such a long time, Tom. I still remember getting the call like it was yesterday. I miss you, my friend.

Cpl. Wayne Mohler
Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office (Retired)

December 10, 2018

20 years and I still miss you.

Officer Palmer
Department of Corrections

July 22, 2017

At Estacada High School, Tom was my best friend. We both graduated, in 1980. Still remember him, at graduation. And remember the plays we did together. And, in the Clackamas County News, guffawing over his columns.

But, drop his clever writing, remember so much that we did, together. Tom's death is still a hole in my heart, and will be, as long as I am breathing.

Dean Moore
Junior High, High School friend

May 17, 2015

Tom was my best friend !,I worked with him for many years at Fred Meyer before he became a police officer I still to this day carry his police business card in my wallet and i think of him Often,I miss him and wish he was still here!

Bob Boehmke
Best Friend

May 12, 2015

Always in my heart.

Dee

July 4, 2014

Tom, I can not believe you are really gone. I have known you since you were young. I went to your funeral and was amazed by all the support and love. I saw your pregnant wife collapse and I cried for her. You are not forgotten my old friend. I know you are still on duty, keep watch. We miss you and think of you often.

Joanne Herring
Friend

May 17, 2014

I can't believe how long it has been, Tom. I miss you.

Cpl. Wayne Mohler
Washington County S.O.

November 6, 2013

I am a member of the Toronto Police Service and my good friend and fellow brother in blue is with the Portland PB. Kory Ballentine's comment says it all. That is exactly why we put our uniforms on every day. To protect our community and the future of it's people.

PC Karen Murray 923
Toronto Police Service

July 21, 2013

My brother was the 7 year old who you protected and is alive and well because of you and what you did, you will never be forgotten and my family prays for your wife and son to live a very happy life

Kory ballentine
[email protected]

May 5, 2013

Fourteen years may have passed but that does not lessen the pain for those that love and miss your dearly. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, Ret. DC
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 21, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 21, 2010

im sorry if people wont like who i am but i was a very close friend of the man who killed officer jeffries. i want to say that in the 10 years since he died, i have thought about him everyday. i am truly sorry for his family and friends. im sorry for everyone who's lives were destroyed by this. as for myself, this was a wake up call for me to change my life and i have.i pray that god is watching over officer jeffries wife and child and that god may bring peace to their hearts.

January 25, 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 15, 2008

I wish to say "thank you" for your brave and selfless sacrifice 10 years ago today. You will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

July 20, 2007