Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tobin, I cried off and on yesterday....just remembering you and how brave you were. Thanks for life!!

CHIEF W. E. LATTIMORE
EAGLE LAKE P.D.

June 19, 2009

Tobin, right at ten years have gone by since you gave yourself. I dont know why but this year it is particularly hard for me. The local paper ran a really good article on you and your sacrifice and how your family is doing, etc. I am inspired by your courage and your warriors heart and have done my best to use the gift of more time that you gave me that night. I am glad to know that I will see you again in Heaven. Peace.

Chief W. E. Lattimore
Eagle Lake PD

June 17, 2008

Officer Thomas thank you for your willingness to protect and serve. You will always be remembered and honored for your duty. God Bless you and your family.

ASO L. Falcon
Texas A&M University Easterwood Airport Security

June 15, 2008

Officer Thomas,
In just a few months it will be ten years since you were taken so prematurely from your family, and your brothers and sisters in blue. I never met you, but reading the reflections that have been left by your family, friends and co-workers makes me feel even sadder then I thought possible that you are gone. You were a great Officer, and your great effect on this earth will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace my Brother as you walk the beat in Heaven. Please keep watch on those of us that are still trying to hold the line down here.

Agent Robert Powell
U.S. Border Patrol

April 7, 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

February 6, 2008

Patrolman Thomas you are a hero. Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. It has been nine years since the end of your watch and you are still remembered. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

June 18, 2007

G-d Bless.

June 18, 2007

Tobin, it's been just about nine years since you made the ultimate sacrifice and saved the life of another great brother warrior and friend in the line of duty through your fearless and quick instinct(John 15:13). You are a true hero and soldier. Your faith in Christ and legacy lives on in the beautiful little red head that bears your name. As I watched her playing with my daughters last Thursday in Eagle Lake I thought of you and what a fine young lady she is turning out to be and what a great woman that stood proudly by your side and kept strong in her faith when faced with the challenge of instantly becoming a single mom. Although the time I knew you was short, I am comforted in knowing that one day we will all be reunited for eternity in Paridise. Bart

Police Officer R.B. (Bart) Catlett
Houston P.D.

June 16, 2007

good shooting officer,but i wish u shot him before he shot you

mike

May 18, 2007

Tobin, I've been thinking of you a lot lately. The 8 year
anniversary of your sacrifice happened to fall on Fathers
Day this year. I thought of you off and on all day, what a
warrior!

Chief W. E. Lattimore
Eagle Lake PD

June 27, 2006

I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you. You are always in my heart and soul. You made me who I am today. You and the whole police force you work with. You are my angel.
Love,
Lisa Ann Vasut

Lisa Vasut
friend

May 10, 2006

Tobin, somone finally bought the junked out lot where your killer was hiding in
ambush. They are cleaing it up! I think of you every time I patrol that street. All is going well with your family. Be at peace.

Chief W. E. Lattimore
Eagle Lake Police Department

July 6, 2005

I can't believe it's been this long, it seems like yesterday we were passing by the time on a slow night talking about weather, family, or whatever we could think of. Who knew one 911 call could changes so many lives so fast.I can still hear it in my head. You truly are a hero, you saved so many others, even ones you don't know. I have gone to another agency but your story has gone with me. So many think something like this could never happen, and I remind them it can, no matter how small and safe the town seems. And remember you still live inside so many of us. And I am proud to call you a True Hero

Andrea

Andrea Scherer/Dispatcher
Cedar Park PD

March 14, 2005

To My Dearest Friend and Former Co-Worker,
Tobin there's not a day that I don't think about you and your family. I still remember our last conversation like it was yesterday.
Talking about friends, family, and what was affecting our lives over dinner.
I never got the chance to tell you thanks for being an honest and loyal friend.

Your Friend

November 18, 2004

Thank You for your service Officer Thomas. Your reflections and those of other Officers help so much to keep your memories alive by showing people who did not know you the personal side. Rest in Peace

March 19, 2004

It's been over a year and not a day goes by that I don't think of Tobin. There will never be another Tobin...he was definitely one of a kind...the finest kind.

I miss you,

ronbo

Ron Brown

It has been a long year since we got that dreaded early morning call that you had been killed. No one knows how much you know of this world and your loved ones, but my faith tells me that you know -- in some dimension -- how much we all miss you.

I think of you every time I fold up a box before putting it in the trash! I knew you really felt a part of our family when you announced, "I think I'll call you Mom." I remember how you wanted my recipe for making something you liked -- and then added your own touch to it! I can still see the expression on your face when you responded to "Where are you going?" with "Crazy." and I said, "Oh, I thought you were already there!" You couldn't think of a comeback!

You see, you are not really gone as long as you live on in our memories!

Your loving Mother-in-Law,

Edith M. Benham

THERE ISN'T A DAY THAT DOESN'T GO BY THAT I DON'T STOP TO THINK WHAT YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE FOR. I MISS THE WAY WE USED TO JOKE, AND ALL THE TIMES YOU CAME TO ME FOR ADVICE. I KNOW YOU WERE A LITTLE BIT OLDER THAN ME,BUT I FELT THE ADVICE I GAVE YOU WOULD SOME DAY BENEFIT YOU.I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU WHEN I DRINK A COLD BEER, AND I'M SORRY WE MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY SOME GOLF TOGETHER. JACK AND I STILL SPILL SOME COLD BEER ON THE FIRST HOLE IN MEMORY OF YOU EACH TIME WE PLAY. I FIND IT SUITABLE, SINCE YOU WERE THE ONLY POLICE OFFICER TO BE IN THE "BEER OF THE MONTH CLUB". I HOPE YOUR MEMORY LIVES ON IN EVERYONES' LIVES,AS I KNOW IT WILL BE A PERMANENT MEMORY IN MINE! LOVE B.K. OCHOA

Brian K. Ochoa / Retired
Eagle Lake PD, TX

A Part of America Died

Somebody killed a policeman today and

   a part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect

   will be buried with him at his side.

The supreme sacrifice was paid with his life,

   when a gunman at his back set the sights.

Now a young widowed mother must work for her child,

   and stand many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,

   just as if he'd gone off to war.

Though the flag nation-wide won't fly at half mast,

   to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,

   in your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

   a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

   and he stands at each new rookies' side.

He answered the call of himself gave his all,

   and a part of America died.

"Greater love hath no man that this...that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

With deepest love, H. Carl & Leslie Risk and Family

You are deeply missed as a friend and co-worker.

Tobin, five years have passed since you gave your life saving mine. Because of your courage and valor I was spared having to fight your killer. I thank God for you and I want you to know that the gift of life you gave me has not been wasted. I know that you have joined that "great cloud of witnesses" in Heaven and you have seen how my family and yours have been woven together since your sacrifice. I look forward to seeing you again when I am called "home" by our Father. Peace!

CHIEF W. E. LATTIMORE
EAGLE LAKE P.D.

Laura,
My dear "sister", what a joy to know you. I count myself blessed to call you my friend. I know Tobin was honored to have you as his wife. You have made him so proud. You are a wonderful example and I appreciate your sweetness and love you extend to those around you. I have been praying for you earnestly and look forward to getting to know you better. Spouses retreat and kids camp will be great as we get through this together! I know these reflections are meant to be for our officers but your life is an example of what Tobin left with you. His life is reflected in you.

Your sister,
Cathy Hill