Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dearest Tom, As always I'm thinking, loving and missing you so much. I don"t know how to do and get through so many different changes and trials that I face alone now without you. You always were the strength for us both. I always knew no matter how small or big the problem you were there to stand by my side and I never doubted you and I together would get through and accomplish anything. But now I'm alone in those decisions and I feel your presence and I hope that you and God are the strength that continues to get me through each day and all the things I must face alone. Your brothers have been so good in all that they are able to do, but they have their families and your sweet Mom has been having more health problems,I pray that you and God watch over and keep her in your care. Shes been through alot in her lifetime. More than most have to face in alot more years than she has had on this earth. My sister is sick so I'm trying to be there for her as she was for me. I hope things are good for Lindsay and Holly I think of them all the time and I know they have other family to care for them and maybe they don't need any other people to contend with, but I'm here for them and I've always loved and cared for them because they are a part of you. Just as you loved and cared for my son and daughter. Missing and loving you is the biggest part of my day. Our friends here at the Dept. continue to be a driving force to get me through each day. But my life and dreams are forever changed, I'm a different person with a big hole in my heart and void in my life. I don't know how to get through all this without you. If only... how many times that thought goes through my mind. I love you Tom and I am trying so hard to do the right things for you and your memory. Please continue to walk by my side and help me accept what I cannot change. I love you forever and a day!

Deb McGinnis
Mishawaka Police Dept. Records

April 4, 2004

Tom,
We just want you to know the girls are being taken care of. They miss you a lot. We will do everything we can to help them in any way. They know who to call if things get rough. We know you are watching over them all the time. Love and miss you forever.

Anonymous

March 30, 2004

My Dear Tom, The days and nights certainly aren't any better with you gone from my life,I love and miss you more today than the day before. You were and will always be the love of my life. I fill the days with work and seeing all the other officers here at work does keep me close to you. They all still have a story that we often share. The first 2 months you were gone I spent trying to answer and acknowledge all our dear family, friends and citizens of our community that you and Bryan so ultimately served. There are no words for the emtiness not only for myself but so many others who share this horrific tragedy with me. Friends, yes sweetie we knew we had them but the loyalty, kindness and caring are overwhelming from them. I have heard from people that also didnt even know me and I do try to return one of your Memorial cards to each of them. I receive beautiful prayers for us and cards often. I know that you know these things because I tell you every morning and night. Your buddy Billy is a constant angel helping not only me but anyone he can. But then you know thats just Billy. Loving a person is certainly something we all take for granted, I would give ANYTHING TO SHARE our first kiss again, one moment of your touch, a look at that big smile, a dance to our favorite song, sharing a sandwich at the park, a walk along the lake, lying on a blanket in the back yard and watching Lily play, wiping the paint from your face after you were painting for Tavernier, cooking a meal for you, discussing our kids that are now adults but to us they will always be our kids. We lived as one and our love will live on through me I will do all I can to keep your legacy alive. Family is great, friends are wonderful but your gone and nothing will ever be the same for me. Your little Lily still waits for you by the front door, and you didn't want her, well at least for twenty minutes after we got her. My love for you still grows and I know your here at my side along with our families and good friends keeping me strong and getting through each minute of every day. You are loved and missed by so many. Watch over us honey and you and Bryan keep those bad guys away. I love you forever and a day!

Deb McGinnis

March 15, 2004

From a brother officer & fellow Hoosier...God bless, Tom. You and Bryan will not be forgotten.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 23, 2004

May god bless your family and your brothers and sisters from MPD. may you watch the rest of us with vigilant eyes as we continue to serve. "No greater a man than he who will lay down his life for another."

Deputy Andrew S. Hynek
La Porte County, IN Sheriff's Department

February 17, 2004

Some never fade away, some crash and burn
Some make the world go 'round, others watch it turn
Still it's a mystery
This place we call the world
Most are fine as oysters
While some become pearls.

Tom, I miss you. As you know, the above is from the song "Oysters and Pearls" by Jimmy Buffett. I searched my collection for something appropriate. Tom, you are a pearl, and I am better for it. Not a day goes by when I dont think about you, Deb and your sacrifice.

I will give my support whenever I can, and please know, you are not, and never will be forgotten.

God rest, brother.

Steve

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka Police Department

February 17, 2004

Tom, We had fun and many laughs together at the academy. You will be greatly missed. I have spoken with officers that had the pleasure of knowing you and the there are no words that can express how we feel. I pray for your family and those that worked with you. I know you will be watching over your fellow officers in heaven.

Sgt. Ken Croft
Dyer Police, Dyer Indiana

February 15, 2004

I will always remember Tom Roberts and keep him in my prayers. I feel that when God was taking a stroll that night he reached down and picked Roberts and Verkler like flowers for his beautiful bouquet.

Tom was a good person he was dedicated, kind, fun loving and true. I am sad for his fiancee his children his mother, and brothers and sisters what a terrible loss for them.

Tom painted our house and he was so good at what he does.
May he rest in peace.

Linda Dotson Chief Deputy II
Mishawaka City Clerk's Office

February 13, 2004

OPIE, I MET YOU ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO DOWN AT WAYNE'S PLACE IN THE HEART OF OUR WONDERFUL CITY OF MISHAWAKA. YOU BROUGHT SUCH LAUGHTER AND HAPPINESS AROUND YOU. I WILL MISS THOSE HUMOROUS MORNINGS WE HAD. I WANT YOU TO KNOW WE ALL MISS YOU. BILLY AND RANDY REDMAN ARE TWO OF THE MOST WONDERFUL GUYS. THEY ARE TAKING CARE OF A LOT TO KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE. YOUR DEB, IS BEING TAKEN CARE OF BY THEM SO MUCH THEIR FAMILIES HAVE OPEN THEIR DOORS TO HER. TOMMY YOU ARE NOW FOR SURE A GOD SEND. BRYAN AND YOU ARE NOW IN CHARGE. YOU WERE PROTECTING US THAT COLD DECEMBER NIGHT AND NOW YOU BOTH HAVE MORE CONTROL WITH GOD'S HELP
TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILIES AND CLOSE FRIENDS EVEN MORE NOW. I DON'T KNOW YOUR DEBBIE, BUT I CAN REMEBER HOW WELL YOU SPOKE OF HER AT WAYNE'S I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN MORE CLOSE TO YOU BOTH. I WILL TRY TO DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP HER THROUGH BILLY OR RANDY IN THE MONTHS TO COME. BUT I KNOW SHE HAS THE SUPPORT OF HER FAMILY, YOUR FAMILY, THE REDMANS AND OUR WONDERFUL MISHAWAKA POLICE DEPT.
I WILL TRY TO CARRY ON YOUR TRADITION TO EVERYONCE IN A WHILE DROP A PIECE OF ICE DOWN BILLY'S BACK OR PUT A LIL SALT IN HIS COFFEE AND THE MAIN THING WATCH OVER HIM AS YOU DID SO WELL. GOD BE WITH YOU TOMMY AND ALSO WITH DEB AND YOUR GIRLS
ALSO TO THE REDMANS AND OFFICER CINDY REED WHO IS ALSO KEEPING YOUR MEMORY ALIVE. MY YOUR AND BRYAN'S BRAVE SOULS BE WITH GOD AND THE ANGELS OF HEAVEN, I AM SURE THEY ARE. IF YOU MEET MY BROTHER THERE SHAKE HIS HAND FOR ME AND TELL HIM I CARE.
DEB AND GIRLS IF YOU READ THIS LONG SUBMISSION I WANT YOU TO KNOW WE ALL CARE TOMMY WAS THE BEST TO ALL HE MET. YOU SHOULD BE PROUD. HE LOVED ALL OF YOU WITH THAT GREAT BIG HEART OF HIS. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.

JOE DOTSON
FROM THE WAYNE'S PLACE BREAKFAST CREW

February 13, 2004

OPP, I still dont have the words. You are missed.

Kevin Will
Mishawaka Police Dept

February 9, 2004

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Corporal Roberts, I extend my deepest sympathy for your loss. It is a loss for this entire nation to lose a homeland peacekeeper. Each one of us has a job to do and the same thought goes through our mind before, during, and after each call; finish the shift safely and go home to our family. The coward that took Corporal Robert’s life changed things for a lot of people. No one who knew Tom will ever be the same. They will carry his memory and the manner in which he lived his life with them. I can only hope that some measure of comfort can be realized by those who knew this officer in knowing that he died doing what he loved for those he loved. The thin blue line is a stretched a little thinner with his passing.

Officer Donna C. Wright
Purdue University Calumet Police Department-Hammond, IN

January 18, 2004

Tom
Its has been one month since your tragic death. I still cannot believe you are gone. It has been so hard on us all. I tried to be strong, but it has not been easy. I do my best to keep in touch with Linsay, Holly and Deb. It has been so hard for them. They have alot of good friends to help them to keep moving forward.
Its not the same without you. Every time I watch a Notre Dame Mens basketball game I catch myself waiting for the phone to ring and I would pick it up and you are on the other end complaining on how the Irish are playing. There where times that I would get so mad at you after your third phone call. I would give anything to here your complaints now. I know every time I pick up the paper and I see a article on Notre Dame I think of you. Watching Notre Dame play will never be the same.
Tom I just want to let you know how proud I am of you. And how proud I was that you where a police officer. I know that you where good at what you did. You would be so proud on how the community and the Mishawaka Police Dept. on the support they have giving and continue to give to all of us.
I miss you and I will do my best to help Lindsay, Holly, and Deb in what every they need.
I love you my brother.......
Gary

Gary Roberts

January 14, 2004

Although you havent seen me since we were neighbors when I was 7 years old, you seen my dad every day at shift change. I am sorry that you had to leave us the way you did, but I want you to know that I appreicate the sacrifice you made for your family as well as mine. Thank you Tom. You will NEVER be forgotton.

Erin Trozzy (Burcham)
Daughter of Mishawaka Police Officer

January 14, 2004

Dad-
It has now been a month since the tragic morning of December 13th. I never imagined that one single phone call could change my life so completely. There are still so many unanswered questions, why here, why then, its just so terrible, but you were always so brave when it came to your job that I know you were never scared and because of that you have earned the title, HERO. I know that there was still so much you wanted to do in your life, and I feel like there is so much that you will miss; so many Notre Dame games, college graduation, walking us down the aisle on our wedding days, and becoming a grandfather, which I always knew you would be great at. Everyday is so difficult, but your brothers and sisters as well as the officers have been wonderful, you should be so proud. I will miss everything about you, your goofy laugh, and oftentimes-ridiculous jokes, your wonderful sense of humor, your devotion to the one and only “Fighting Irish” and of course all of your fatherly advice about everything from boys to school.
Lindsay and I are and will continue to do only to make you proud.
I will love you and miss you always!!
Holly

January 14, 2004

Hi Tommy, Well it's been one month already,and I still can't believe your gone. Troy &I miss u soooo much! Life is never going to be the same with out you.We are trying to take care of Deb,there is so much pain inside her,it's going to take ALOT of time.When you & I joked around,I think that was our way of saying we loved eachother. You were the best brother-in- law,yes, brother- in- law. Thank you for loving Deb sooo much and taking such great care of her. You ALWAYS made me laugh so much! Thank You for that. Godspeed buddy I luv ya Bunches!! WE MISS YOU! love, Troy & Jody Marrese

January 13, 2004

My Dear Tom, I still cannot accept the fact that you were taken from us one month ago today. Everyone keeps saying to take one day at a time, I feel lucky to be making it one moment at a time. Nothing is the same. I miss our life and all that we had. Your laughter and that big smile, how can I go on? Today all the wives brought in a pot-luck at the Dept. it was to show their appreciation for all the officers. It was nice and I know they meant well, but I was envious that my honey wasn't there. I miss you so! Your brother Gary came over and took down our Xmas decor outside, he meant well but again I was sad. The Xmas decor was our last task together. Your brothers have been wonderful to me, you'd be proud of them. I'm back at work but not really, I do feel close to you when I'm there. All the guys are great and they all miss you and your joking ways. We all miss and love you. There will forever be a void in my heart,soul and mind. I love you Tom. Wherever a beautiful soul has been... There is a trail of beautiful memories.... You will always be the love of my life! I miss you and all that you were to me. Deb

January 13, 2004

Sorry we couldn't bring you and Bryan home alive that night, despite our best efforts. Although there are two empty chairs at roll call now, your memories fill the room and echo through the night. We will never forget. Rest in peace, Brothers.

Cpl. Cindy Reed
Mishawaka PD

January 9, 2004

Dearest Tom,
Although I only met you once on the front porch of our home, I feel as if I know you much better because of how courageous you were with my Bryan on that fateful night. I only wish that there could have been more times to spend getting to know you. Unfortunately, there are only memories that Deb, Holly and Lindsay have of you now. I am sure that you are the guardian Angel of them all. Please know that your last act of heroism was honored on this Earth, and that you and Bryan are loved very deeply, now and forever. May you and Bryan walk the streets of Paradise together, still debating about who is better: Notre Dame or Purdue!
Juli
P.S. My mom is ND Alumni, so I am always partial to ND-Go Irish!!

Juli Verkler
Wife of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

January 7, 2004

most people would tell you that law enforcement is a dangerous job. i never listened. I was always afriad when there was a domestic call or when i heard dispatch say use caution with someone. My husband was a little man but his size never mattered to him. He wanted to be a policeman, he wanted to make the small town we lived in a safe place for everyone. i never thought that directing traffic would be the worst thing that he could do. I just want to say to all the officers that read this "To be careful out there and watch out for other drivers and be careful so you can go home to your family" GOD BLESS

Wife of Officer Toby Dirickson
EOW 11-2-03

January 2, 2004

Opie, it was a great honor to know you. I will never forget your warm smile. Thank you for introducing me to a Jimmy Buffet concert. I promise to quit smoking because I know it is best, just like you always said. I'll never understand why you had to go, but will know that you too are watching over us.

Deb I wish I could've done more to protect Tom that night, but you see I did all that I could do. My prayers are with you everyday and I am always here for you.

Another morning has approached as I think of my officer again. One of the many officers that swore to serve and protect, and gave up his live in the very end. That fateful day is something that I am not allowed to forget. It is that memory that reappears each time I put on my headset. And when I sit in front of the radio and dispatch my officers to a priority call, I silently hope and pray that I hear them clear, instead of hearing them take a fall. You see, I have always read their voices and sat back up when I sensed tension or fear. But now, more than ever, it is their voice I want to continue to hear. Taking for granted that you will hear an officer do another traffic stop, just should not be done. For it does not matter how routine the stop or call may be, it only takes one. When one of our brothers or sisters is lost in the field, the briefing room will then be left with an empty space. And in our hearts it is perceived, that this brother or sister will never be replaced. It is my solemn vow to my officers to give my very best, and to be the voice they want to hear in their worst times of distress.

Stephanie Dispatcher
Mishawaka Police Department

December 30, 2003

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 24, 2003

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Thomas did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Thomas be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Corporal Roberts' family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his family. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Thomas is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Thomas was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

December 23, 2003

Cpl. Thomas Roberts paid the ultimate sacrifice. Now he can stand watch over us all from above. Brother you did your job well, now it's time for you to stand easy, GOD will take of you now. Family members of our hero, Cpl. Thomas Roberts, rest assured he will not be forgotten and you are among a loving family. Seek the LORD for comfort during these hard times. GOD BLESS.

DFC Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

December 23, 2003

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.... My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family and fellow officers of Corp. Roberts. God speed friend......

Olivia Bays
Marion Co. Sheriff'd dept.

December 22, 2003

It seems so long ago, Tom that you and I attended the academy together. I remember them telling us at some point that someone from our class was possibly going to die during his/her career. I guess I never thought it would be you. If I am not mistaken our graduation anniversary is today, 12/22. It seems like so long ago. I'm sure you are under the care of God and in a much better place than we are. Rest, Brother.

Sgt. Bill Kraus
South Bend PD

December 22, 2003