Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May you rest in peace in Heaven, Patrolman Smith.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 11, 2024

Patrolman Smith,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with 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

March 9, 2023

May God and St. Michael continue to watch over you in Heaven, Ptlm. Smith. Your sacrifice and protection of follow officers will never be forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 9, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Thomas J. Smith of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 79 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 9, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Thomas J. Smith of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 9, 2022

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Patrolman Smith.

Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 9, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Thomas J. Smith of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 9, 2021

Thank you for your service and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 23, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Smith.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 15, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Thomas J. Smith of the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 9, 2018

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

March 9, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

March 9, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 9, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes love or respect. Your memory will alomways be honored and revered. To Tom's family, I share your anquish in losing a beloved family member. I can see from the many loving reflections that Tom was an amazing man who is loved and missed by so many. I am holding you in my heart's embrace today. He showed unparalled valor and dedication.

Rest In Peace, Tom. None of our heroes will be forgotten for the supreme sacrifice they and their families made.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loay
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 9, 2009

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

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 12, 2008

OFFICER SMITH, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 14, 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 31, 2007

Your bravery, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. You are a true hero and will be remembered as such.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

July 23, 2007

Patrolman Smith - a fighter to the very end. Lesser men would have never returned to serve after being wounded.

For fellow historians: Out of the tragedy of the Glenville Riots, Cleveland street officers were issued portable radios which enabled citywide communications. Also, the fist Tactical Unit was formed, which trained and equipped specific officers to respond to especially dangerous situations such as riots and barricaded suspects. The unit later became the modern day Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, or SWAT.

To the fallen officers - may Your Souls Rest-In-Peace.......

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 23, 2007

Officer Smith, you were a good man, and a true hero for what you did that day. Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO

April 28, 2007

A man worthy of the title..Hero!

March 9, 2007

You are a hero! Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Tennessee

March 11, 2006

To Patrolman Thomas J. Smith and his loved ones:

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

My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.
You soldiered on for many years after your severe injuries...a true warrior, hero, and inspiration.

Thomas, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

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, Patrolman Thomas Smith. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Thomas gave to his community and the citizens of Ohio, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 9, 1993 and all the intervening years after he was shot.

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

March 9, 2006

Patrolman Smith, YOU are a TRUE HERO. Thank you for the life you gave so others could live in a safer community. May it bring some comfort to your family to know that you will always be remembered. Today I know you walk the streets of gold. Just as you deserve. God Bless

OHIO
Summit County
11-10-2005

November 10, 2005

10/16/04

You will always be remembered for your service and sacrfice. Rest in peace sir.

Captain Robert W. Cannon; Retired
Vermilion County Illinois Sheriff's Dept.

October 17, 2004