Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Bedford.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 12, 2021

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

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

October 8, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Bedford,
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 Lincoln County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 8, 2019

Today on the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

D. Holmes, Lieutenant
Federal Bureau of Prisons

October 8, 2014

I was a dispatcher with the Sheriff's Department in Roswell, NM in 1978 or '79 when Tommy was a deputy there. He was funny and nice--always had a smile on his face. One night my sis, who was paralyzed, called me at work, saying there was a horrible noise going on upstairs in the house we shared. Tommy took me home and went in with me to see what was going on. Turned out my stereo had come on by itself and was blasting away. We never did figure out how it happened, but I still think of him often and am grateful for his help--and glad it wasn't a break-in. We all three got a good laugh out of it. You are still missed, Tommy, and I still pray for your family.

Shay Patterson
just a friend from way back

July 25, 2014

In about 1975 I worked at the ambulance service in Ruidosa N.M. I became friends with TC when he was a patrolman with Ruidosa PD. He was a very friendly guy whom was liked by everybody that knew him. He was known for being a caring and good person. He had a great work ethic and was simply well thought of. This is the first time I had seen this memorial page and it brought back good memories of my friend. I can only hope that I have been half the cop TC was. May you rest in peace TC Bedford. God Bless you and your family.

Lt. David Watkins
Abilene Police Dept. Abilene Texas

December 29, 2011

On this the 30th anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Tommy. I am praying for solace for your family today and each day of their journey as survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Tommy gave to his community and the citizens of New Mexico, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 8, 1979.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 8, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Bedford,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Lincoln County.And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

October 8, 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

December 17, 2007

Today on the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Mancahester, NH

October 8, 2007

I knew Tommy and rode with him many times when he was a deputy in Chaves county. I enjoyed his company, he was a very humorous person and did his job well. Never will I forget Tommy, he was a true friend.

Orlando Gonzales
Texas Department of Public Safety

July 1, 2007

Tommy was my partner at the time of his death. He was a hard working, dedicated officer. He took his job and resposiblities very serious. Tommy was very strong in his family,faith and morals. Tommy and I used to have fun together when working football, basketball games and other assignments that we worked together on. Tommy,love to play jokes on his fellows officers. I will never forget the day of the incident when I heard him call for back-up and I begin calling him on the radio with no response from him. I also, will never forget finding him face down on the ground by his patrol car upon my arrival. I tried but could not bring you back.
Tommy, you will never be forgotten. I still think about all the fun times we had, and that day your watch ended.

Rest in Peace Buddy. Your Watch is Over. You did us all proud.

Sgt. (Retired) Bobby (B.J.) Barnes
Ruidoso Police Dept.

November 9, 2006

May you Rest in Peace Deputy Bedford and may Our Lord Bless your family.

October 8, 2006

I worked for the LCSO, from 1982 to 1985, after Tommy's death. I didn't know him, but worked with many who did; they had much praise for this young man. Tommy was a hero, not for the sacrifice of his life, but for the sacrifices he made in life. He, like many, chose the difficult path in life and left behind a family who will always love and honor him; not just his wife and children, but his family that wears the badge. Tommy, you are loved and missed. I know Heaven is better because you are there.

Art Lindsey
Texas Youth Commission

February 16, 2005