Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace buddy

Carson loveless

February 6, 2024

I think about you often, but lately you’ve been on my mind more frequently, remembering the fun times we had and our unrealized plans for family things to do in retirement. The memories bring a smile, but the pain of your loss and the times we’ll never have wash over me still. Your ODMP picture and profile just popped up in a split screen while I was working on emails! What are the chances? Somehow, I believe you sent a message that you hear me and to comfort me. I love you Tom and will remember and miss you always till we meet on the other side……

Betty Spangler, sister

September 2, 2023

Rest in peace Lt. Rettberg.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 9, 2020

Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

February 11, 2020

Lt. Rettberg,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 11, 2020

17 yrs. since the end of your watch have not dulled the pain of your absence. The hours-long telephone calls, your silly jokes, the family visits. The duet singalong with the "paint your wagon" sound track on our road trip to California. So many things. You were so energetic and fun loving it's hard to believe they could be silenced in the blink of an eye.
At the funeral home visitation the people you had touched with your service and wanting to pay their respects were lined up around the block outside. One after another they told us stories about what you had done for them or even saved their lives as a trooper. Remember when you were a rookie, your buddies called you "the easter bunny" because you gave more warnings than tickets. You are such a hero. Love you.

Dr. Betty Spangler
Tom's Sister
Spring Texas

March 24, 2017

I met Tom and his wife at an annual meeting of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association. Both were very warm and nice people to visit with. I just wanted to share this memory of a wonderful person.

R.C. Shepherd
North Carolina LEO

September 16, 2015

Dear grandpa, it's been a while since I've posted on this. I miss you. Everyday that goes on its gets a little more lonely. 14 years wow. I wish you were still here with me. Love you so much. Keeping smiling up there and I'll see you in my dreams and prayers until we meet again.

Brianna Marie
granddaughter

February 11, 2014

Lt. Rettberg,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Utah. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

February 11, 2013

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. You have not been forgotten.

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

February 11, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 11, 2010

Grandpa-
There have been so many events in the last 9 years that I would have loved to have you here for. I looked at Brandon's graduation pictures and saw you in them... I wish you could have been in mine. I remember as a little girl, with a single mom, that when I grew up and got married that my grandpa would walk me down the isle. I wish you could have been there. I married a wonderful man and grandma says he is a lot like you. I guess you already know all of this, because I know you are here with us every day. 10 months ago I had a baby girl, grandma met her over the summer and they became great friends. I wish she could meet you. She will know who you are though. You are still talked about often and you are far from being forgotten. We all love you so much and we can't believe it has already been almost 10 years. There are other families in our area that have lost their police loved ones. I wish I could offer them some peace, but I know only time can heal, and no amount of time will ever make it completely better.

Brandi Webb
granddaughter

November 21, 2009

As I was going through some old photos that I took during the pre-grand opening of the E-Center in WVC, I found the shots that Lt.Rettberg was so kind to have taken me up so that I could take. He was...no, IS...a very kind man that was happy to assist me in this project. Many years have passed and I wished that I had found these photos sooner so that this message could have been sent sooner. As my good friend gets her helicopter licence this week, I am giving her one of the photos of this great pilot to take up with her on her next flight. Peace be with this family over this great man. K Conde

Kevin Conde, Photographer
WVCPD

July 19, 2009

Lieutenant Thomas Rettberg we did not know each other but I live in north salt lake and your memorial cross was pointed out to me by another officer. I did not know it was there(it was over grown with weeds,branches,grass,ect). I could not stop thinking of you ever since, I felt very strongley that your memorey should be seen by all who pass by. so I got a shovle,pick,and clipers,and jumped over the fence to clean up your memorial site(I dont feel anyone else would mind that I did this).I found a little helicopter in the weeds and placed it on top of the cross. LT you are not forgotten it is my honor to clean your memorial site as long as I am phisically able!

Corrections Officer
salt lake county sheriffs office

April 12, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today and every day. May God continue to watch over you. I know the daily struggles you face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence .
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

Anonymous

February 11, 2009

To Lt. Thomas Rettberg, his loved ones, and his fellow highway patrolman with UHP:

On this the ninth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is with all family members and friends who call you beloved. They are all in my thoughts and prayers today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Lt. Rettberg. I am so humbled by your valor and many years of distinquished service.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Lt. Rettberg gave to his community and the citizens of Utah, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 11, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 11, 2009

You are never forgotten by those who love you.RIP.

Anonymous

January 7, 2009

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 8, 2008

Grandpa we miss you so much. It's hard to carry on knowing that you are no longer with us. We love you very much. I wish i could still see you. You were such a big part of my life. Now at least I know that god has a bigger plan for you and i'm sure you our loving life in heaven. But always remember the people still on earth. We love you and you will never be forgotten. I wish you could be at the wedding. But in the end i know in my heart you will be. Miss you grandpa always and forever.

brianna and scott
grandpa

September 24, 2007

When we pass from this mortal existence, our family continues to carry with them, part of us. I know your daughter Polly, and you should be proud dad! You served so well. Rest in peace dear brother and may you keep watch on the other side.

Deputy Peter Butcher
Daggett County Sheriff

May 6, 2007

Grandpa,
We all miss you so much every day. We have not forgotten you and we never will. I wish you could be here to see how we have all grown up. Wouldn't you know it I married a cop. I wish you could meet him, Grandma says he is alot like you (he is even a pilot). Though my husband works for the county and they are great, I will always be a Trooper girl. I remember we were driving along the freeway one day and you were off duty in you personal car, and you saw some debris on the road. You were afraid that it might cause someone to crash and get hurt so you called for another officer to help and you stayed and picked it all up so others could drive safely. I remember you were so brave because the cars were buzzing all around you and you were not afraid. You just wanted to make the highway safe for everyone else. I love you and miss you everyday, and I will never forget your dedication to your job.

Brandi Webb EMT-I
Granddaughter

May 2, 2007

Dad it has been over 7 years now that you have been gone, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Your Grandchildren and Great grandchildren miss you so much, your name is always brought into conversation and any family get together. I know that time is suppose to heal, but our family hasn't been the same since you left. Your Grandson and great-grandson has had a near miss at death and I know now that your our special angel watching over all of us. You were an asset to the Highway Patrol and in my eyes will never be forgotten what you did for the safety of the Utah Citizens and all the people in your career that you helped. We all love and miss you!!!!!!!!!

Polly Rettberg
Daughter

May 1, 2007

Seven years ago today you were taken to heaven. You are gone, but not forgotten. Rest in peace hero.

Wife of a NYSP Trooper

February 11, 2007

Tom, thanks for the help you gave the citizens of the State of Utah and Richfield City.

Chief John Evans
Richfield City

June 10, 2005