Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Jurgens Family: I also had the honor of wearing the photo name tag of SCO Jurgens during a Tunnel To Towers fundraiser 5k race held on 11/9/24 at The Villages, Florida.
I am a retired Port Authority of NY & NJ police lieutenant and I picked out his name tag as all the PAPD tags were already taken and I wanted to represent someone else in law enforcement who was killed on that horrible day. I wore it proudly during the race and it will remain in my possession for the next race.

I did an internet search on him and to my surprise I found out he was Paul Jurgens' nephew. I worked with Paul many times in several commands over many years. Always a solid reliable officer. A pleasure to have him on my roll calls. An eerie coincidence.

God Bless the Jurgens family and may they both rest in peace.

Ret. PAPD Lt. Kenneth Shifrin
Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department

November 9, 2024

Officer Jurgens, I had the honor of carrying your name in a 5K tunnels to towers run on Oct. 2, 2024 in Sacramento, CA. I want to thank you for your sacrifice, 23 years ago. You and your fellow first responders are true heroes. This is my 3rd “T to T” run and I always carry the officer’s tag who seems to look at me when I go to the tag rack. I saw you immediately as I approached.
I also ran to honor my son, Deputy Sheriff Adam S. Gibson, who also died in the line of duty. EOW 1-18-2021.
May you both rest in peace.

Douglass Gibson
Tunnels to Towers participant runner

November 2, 2024

He is my relative

Kiki
Relative

September 26, 2024

I served with Tom in the US Army. You are a hero to so many Tom. Thank You sir you are a true hero.

Specialist David Picariello
Friend

September 11, 2023

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word. Thanks as well for your Army service as a Medic.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

Today, I carried Sergeant Thomas Jurgens photo in a Remembrance Walk in O'Fallon, Missouri. He, among all the other lives lost in this tragic day in history 22 years ago, is my hero. Thank you, Sergeant Jurgens, for your service and your sacrifice. You will Never be Forgotten. To your family, my condolences and you are all in my prayers for not only your one loved one but both your loved ones that were both so brave.

Patty Brown
City of O'Fallon, MO

September 11, 2023

Officer Jurgens,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York and our Country as well. Not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but also when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 11, 2020

Posted on Queens Daily Eagle September 10, 2019

Court officers honor colleagues who died on 9/11

Sgt. Thomas Jurgens, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Capt. William Harry Thompson died in the World Trade Center

Eighteen years ago, court officers working in the Manhattan courts or in the old Beaver Street training academy heard that two planes had collided with the World Trade Center towers and sprang into action.

More than 20 officers ran into the building to rescue victims of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Three didn’t make it out.

Capt. William Harry Thompson, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Sgt. Thomas Jurgens died on 9/11 and other first responders, including Court Officer Lt. Theodore “Teddy” Leoutsakos, died from injuries and illnesses related to their experience at Ground Zero. Their memory lives on through service and an annual ceremony.

Court officers will gather Wednesday in the ceremonial courtroom of the Queens Criminal Courthouse to honor their heroic colleagues and to remember all who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony at Queens Criminal Court is one of several events taking place at courts around the city and state, said Chief Joseph Baccellieri, Jr., the commanding officer/chief of training at the New York State Court Officers Academy.

“A lot of locations put together their own local way of paying homage to everyone we lost on 9/11,” Baccellieri said. “A lot of them are locally done by the people who work at those facilities. There will be moments of silence, small ceremonies.

The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.
The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.

The state court system’s official ceremony will take place at the Captain William H. Thompson, Sergeant Thomas Jurgens and Sergeant Mitchel Wallace New York State Court Officers Academy in Brooklyn, which opened late last year. The academy is named for the three officers who died in 9/11.

Baccellieri said the academy graduated the largest class of new court officers in state history. The 240 recruits began their training in February and will observe their first 9/11 ceremony in their careers.

Deputy Chief Administrative Judge George Silver, the acting administrative judge in Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term, had the idea of moving the ceremony to the Brooklyn academy, Baccellieri said.

“At some point, [Silver] said, ‘Why don’t we have our ceremony at this magnificent facility that was dedicated to them,” Baccellieri said. “We hope to have it here from now on.”

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Vito C. Caruso, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina Mendelson, Chief of Public Safety Michael Magliano, Silver and Baccellieri will all be in attendance

Baccellieri was one of the first court officers to arrive at the World Trade Center. He and two colleagues entered the North Tower and climbed the stairs, pausing to assist people.

Baccellieri said he and the officers reached the 51st floor of the building when they felt the building shake. The South Tower, where Thompson was working to rescue people, had just collapsed.

Workers at Ground Zero eventually recovered Thompson’s jewelry, including a special anchor pendant, which they delivered to his family.

“Thompson has two sons, each of them had an anchor, so recovering it had extra special meaning,” Baccellieri said.

In 2015, Leoutsakos, a court officer lieutenant, died from pancreatic cancer related to his experience as a Ground Zero first responder.

Later that year, the city renamed the corner of 29th Street and 21st Avenue in Astoria “Theodore Leoutsakos Way” in a special ceremony attended by Leoutsakos’ family and local lawmakers Michael Gianaris and Costa Constantinides.

The street sign is located near the home of Leoutsakos, who served as a court officer for 24 years.

“We are so honored to have the street my family has lived on for 47 years co-named in our father’s honor. Our father was a man who believed in serving his community and country,” Leoutsakos’ daughters Stacey, Cynthia and Stephanie said in a statement. “Today is a celebration of my father and a proud day for our entire family.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

September 10, 2019

Tommy,
It may seem odd to some addressing you in the first person but I am of the deepest belief that the spirit - the almighty spirit - lives on forever and when ones name is spoken, they never die.
My daughters Rachel and Katie ask about you every year around this time and we find comfort in relation to someone that unconditionally helped those in need - full of pride, remembrance and thanks to you and the other brave souls that averted an even greater loss that fateful day. Thank you for your service, commitment and act of valor Tommy - may your name be spoken now and forever.

Michael P Sturm
Cousin Mike from Denver

September 11, 2014

Hey Tommy. I miss ya cuz.. i just got done listening to your name on tv and yeah i broke down crying.. i think about you often and matter of fact i know that was you that woke me up at 4 in the morning today.. i dream about you every once in a while and i wake up in the morning remembering everything in the dream. last dream i had of you, it was me, you and your brother joey. we were kids again and we were on the beach playing king of the mountain on one of the dunes.. hahahah remember that we would climb up than tackle each other and throw each other down eating sand the whole way hahaha those were the days when we didnt have to worry about nanything in the world except hanging out collecting baseball cards and taking the subways to yankee stadium.. then we grew up. remember the time i drove up to grandpas house with a couple of my friends and we drank 40oz crazy horses..ugghhhh yeah then we went to then club tim hickeys and on the way you drove my car and i lowered my window and i puked my brains out... yeah puking rally!!!! i still made it in the club anmd we did soo many more shots that i puked again lol..... how bout the time when we had the original nintendo and played super mario bros till we beat it at 3 a.m....... and we discovered how to get the infinate amount of lives on world 3.. wow still remember how to do it too!! your brother is doing good. he is in his 3rd year in ladder1 FDNY.. he allready has made hero of the month in the daily news for saving a lady and bringing her down the ladder.. you were his inspiration for becoming a fireman.. wow i miss ya tommy.. what you did was so brave of you that day.. you actually ran into a building that a plane had hit not knowing what was going on to rescue people you didnt know.. i couldnt imagine being there honestly.. seing it on tv was horrifying enough but you were there in the chaos and you didnt even flinch.. my little girl is 4 years old on the 23rd of this month and i always tell her about you. you will live on in the forever as the bravest most heroic family member for eternity.. no one could duplicate what you did..that was you, you lived for helping people no matter what the cost. and you did pay the ultimate price. i was very angry the first couple of days but then relized and knew if you wernt there to help you would kick yourself in the ass every day saying i shouldve been there i shouldve been there..one of the memorials that i went to for you your captain said to you "Tommy!! dont go back in there its not safe" and you turned around and told him "Sorry Cap they need my help" and you went back in and then the tower collapsed... your captain told us you went in and out 3 times bringing people back and forth..You are the MAN!!!i cant imagine in all my brain power to think what that sounded like. im just glad you wernt in pain..wow you are my hero!! the whole family is proud of you!! we will meet again one day tommy!! take care and keep watching over jennas shoulder. You are her angel in the sky!! love ya cuz~~~~~Rob Andrade...written 9-11-07

Rob Andrade
cousin

March 16, 2013

Tommy, As we approach the 10 th anniversary of the horrific attacks to our nation which took your life you would be comforted to know that your heroism is not forgotten. The fact that you, Harry & Mitch responded with other NYS Court Officers to save others is right up there with other American Hero's through our history who gave their all for their fellow man. You were always about helping others whether is be as a volunteer fireman or a Army combat medic. You had a special calling and in the end you died answering that call. You would be proud to know that your brother Joe is now a NYC Fireman who has received the 3rd highest medal the city can give for his bravery. So, the apple does not fall far from the tree. RIP and know that you have become an inspiration for so many for many years to come. Love, Uncle Brad.

Hon. Bradley A. Blakeman
Uncle of Tommy Jurgens

September 1, 2011

I used to work with Tom many years ago. He was so wonderful at his job and so kind natured .I just happened upon this sight and there was Toms name and picture. Exactly how I remember him. Such a huge loss,such a Hero. Proud to have known him. Rachel

Anonymous

November 2, 2010

Tommy,
Missing you as the years go buy. Wishing I would have held onto you and hold you back, a moment longer that morning, not realizing we would never see each other after that dispatch. You went without hesitation. I followed, but your tower fell first. I keep you and Harry, and Mitch in my heart always. I will try to live my life better, for the time you lost. Love, your brother officer, Dr. Bone'

Sgt. Jim Bonello
NY State Courts

January 10, 2010

To the family and loved ones of Officer Thomas Jurgens and his fellow officers and most especially to Thomas:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the eighth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. Your family had to endure losing two beloved heroes and how I wish they had not had to endure this tragedy.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service Thomas gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 19, 2009

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

Officer Jurgens,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all your fellow LEOs who were also killed that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Senior Court Officer Jurgens and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009

Thank you, Sr. Court Ofc. Thomas Jurgens, for your dedication to God, your family and, ultimately, your country.

Your sacrifice was not in vain, and you will never be forgotten. Your family remains in my prayers.

God speed and God bless. Rest in peace, Ofc. Jurgens.

God Bless America.

LRVirgil, Civilian
Texas - Law Enforcement Supporter

September 30, 2007

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

Dear Tom:
For the past 5 and a half years, I have not stopped talking or thinking about the events of that horrible day, or of the unbelievable sacrifice made by you and all the rest. But that is only fitting and proper that I do so. And so must EVERY American, EVERY day...remember and be thankful for the dedication, professionalism, tenacity and the sheer will displayed to save others. That is why I keep my promise I made so long ago, that each of you, shall have your own refection from me.
Fortunately, most of our fellow Americans have no idea what it is like to be in grave danger of being killed, or to know that their loved ones are trapped and need help. Fortunately, most of our fellow Americans will never have to endure something so horrific as the events of 11 September 2001, ever again. Fortunately, because our country has been blessed to have officers such as yourself who put their own well being last, and the care and protection of others, first. "To serve and protect". It's not just a saying...it's a creed, a very SACRED creed.
Not since the days of World War II, have Americans seen what REAL sacrifice is. But they, and the world, got a close-up view when you and every officer who gave their life that day, did what only a true hero does.
Your young age makes your sacrifice all the more painful to everyone...the fact that you never had the chance to raise a family, or to reach retirement. But in giving up your life, so many others will know what it is like to do those things. Your name shall live forever, your legacy as well, and the deeds and actions of your service have set a challenge for all police officers to emulate forever.
Thank you for all you did, for the type of police officer you are, (as you will NEVER be allowed to die), and for those lives that were spared. I, we, America, extend our love for you and your family for all time.
Rest in peace, we have the watch. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

January 16, 2007

you will alway live in our hearts

September 12, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006