Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

i love you.
and i miss you loads.

jessie bessie.
daughter.

September 14, 2008

happyy brithdayyy!!!!!!
i love you.
miss you loads!
your princess

jess bess

August 12, 2008

Happy Birthday Dad. I miss you. I love you.

Tracy
Daughter

August 9, 2008

Tom.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Today, Saturday, August 9, 2008 you wold have been 60 years young. I think of the celebration we would have had today if you were here. Celebrating a beautiful life. But instead, my heart still broke, aching that you have passed. Seems like yesterday that you were standing here talking to me about those everyday things we used to talk about; kids, work, what we had to do that day; etc. I still have days I can't believe it's true. Most of them. Just wanted to tell you I am thinking of you today (as I do everyday) & tomorrow me & all the kids & families will be going to your favorite restaurant to remember & reflect of a man we love & miss dearly. Happy Birthday Tom. We forever miss & love you!
Jo'Nee

Jo'Nee Cochran
Spouse

August 9, 2008

I can't believe it has been 3 months since I wrote you last. This house is as busy as ever. Zach turns 19 next month. Riley is growing into a handsome young man. Syd is just as pretty as always and Macy is still the family comedian. She is so much like you, always making everyone laugh. She is so smart for a 2 1/2 year old. She can carry on a perfect conversation and wild is the day is long. Work has been hell on wheels...me and Fayma called today Crisis Management Day...nothing but running around putting out fires. I guess you know you'll have that is a jail. Zach interviewed with Fayma's jail to work in booking and he should find out within the next two days if they are going to offer him the position. Cross your fingers. I have my goal set to become a regional manager with the company but we will see what happens there, maybe someday. I miss you and I have been thinking about you a lot lately. Was on the bike a couple days ago and was just remembering the fun, stress free days we use to have on the bikes and wish so much we were still having those days! It is weird to think of all of the changes that has happen since your accident and that you were not here to experience. I miss you and I love you and do I wish I could hear your voice and see your smiling face one more time.
Until the day God calls me home for us to be together again.
Love Trace

Tracy

July 29, 2008

Wow... It has been a long time since I have written anything. It still seems like yesterday when I got that call. Alot has happened since then. I have graduated from Vincennes University with an Associates degree in Law Enforcement finally. I just got a job at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center as a Corrections Officer. My first step into Law Enforcement. The family is doing good. Troy and I have been playing some paint ball lately. It is hard without you setting everything up for us. I am doing my best to host the games. Everyone is having a good time though. I wonder where we would be with the paintball store still going strong. Sure wish I could've done my internship with you at the PD. I just finished my pre-basic for the reserve program through school. I scored a 100% on the written exam and qualified expert with YOUR handgun. I scored at the top of my reserve class. I am so glad to be back home with everybody. I have been living my life in fast forward for the past 2 years through school and I can finally slow down and focus on the rest of my life. Kaylee and I have been together for almost 3 years now. You would really be impressed by her. Mom is at Police week right now in DC in your memory. I counldn't go because of this job I have been waiting for. Hope to go next year though. Alot of the guys at the PD have helped me tremendously in Law Enforcement; Brian Miller, Ken Losekamp, Mike Lanning, Rodney Markland, Danny Craig, and Jacob Jump. Doug like always has been there for all of us through everything. He is now the a big part in the Indiana C.O.P.S organization. I hope to do the same in time. Fayma and Chuck is doing an outstanding job on the poker run. It is a work in progress and in time will be the biggest motorcycle run this place has ever seen. Tony is still taking great pictures and riding a motorcycle backwards; as a passenger of course. Couldn't do it without them. I was asked to present your scholarship at South Dearborn High School to the recipient soon. Not sure on what I am going to say but I will be ready when the time comes I hope. I could give a speech for hours about you but I have to cram it all in to a short 5 minute deal tops which is going to be the problem. Will write soon and will have a handshake ready for you in time. Until then, Troy and I and the rest of us down here will cover your post. See you soon.
Love Always,
Your Son

Josh Cochran
Son- Dearborn County Corrections

May 16, 2008

Hey Dad again we had a wonderful ride.No rain on the ride like they were calling for. You would have loved to have rode in it.I wished you could have been there. I miss you so much. We made enough money for a decent scholarship.Zach rode with me and he got a pretty tatoo on the back of his neck the means sacrifice. Something we all know to well. Josh graduates sat with a degree in law enforcement. I can't believe he is a man and not a little boy now. You'd be so proud. Macy loves him so much, she thinks he is the cats meow! I won't be at police week, I have to have surgery.I want to be there but I can't push the surgery back. I love riding with my whole famly on your poker run it was nice to spend the whole day with them.work is crazy of course.But you know what its like in a jail. Josh might come work with me and that would be awsome.Well I need to get to bed. I love you so very much.
Tracy

Tracy
Daughter

April 21, 2008

Hey dad, it's been awhile since I've written. I have been very busy and I've worked some hard cases lately, some fatalities. Today, so many things have really reminded me of the days following your death and how everyone honored you, our hero. Today, two Colerain Firefighters were laid to rest and my heart breaks for their families. I remember being in their shoes and watching everyone salute you on our trip to the graveside. Keep an eye on Capt Broxterman and Schira. They too are heroes dad, like you. I love you and I am so proud of you. I just wish you were here with us. You are my hero! Love, your daughter

Tomya
daughter

April 9, 2008

hey dad,
sorry it's been awhile since i wrote. alot of things have changed. i got a car and a license to go with it! a black pontiac G6. you would love it. oh! and a job! you believe that?! M&M tanning of course. tan for free. i do love it. eventhough i havent wrote i think bout u constantly. i got in trouble not too long ago. got to thinking. what u would have done with me. and i didn't know. cause i never got to expierence that with you. i was thinkin bout that one day when we were sittin on the couch watchin tv. and u called me princess of course. like u always did. everyday. and u told me u didnt want me to grow up. because u wanted me to ur little princess forever. and i said i will always be your little princess till the day i die. and u smiled. well i still am. i got a picture of u and me in my car. the one of you holding me when i was little and im kissin u on the cheek. everytime i go to put my car in drive or park i see it. school is pretty good. we are leaving for flordia thursday. maybe i will come home with a new tat! haha. i miss you more than anything. i blared chantilly lace the other day in my car. driving on a sunny day. im sure u were in the passenger seat. watch over us.
i love you.

love your princess.

jessica, daughter

March 16, 2008

Tom,
Can't believe it's been 3 years on 01/26. The worst day of my life. There was a very touching memorial service that Chief Hunefeld set up attended by those you love (& love you) still remembering you and the loss we have all sustained the day you left us. My heart still broken. It always will be. You continue to impact so many lives and me & all your kids & police family & friends, are so very proud & humbled....but most of all, grateful that you were part of our lives. Even for such a short time. You left us too soon....but will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Love always,
Jo'Nee

Jo'Nee Cochran
Spouse of LPD Det/Sgt Tom Cochran

January 29, 2008

My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family's today..as both families remember this fateful day when we lost someone special. Both of them seem to have one of the same things ...a great smile ....I know they are up there smiling down on us and saying... Carry On....Cheers ...we will see each other again someday. What is sad is all of the things they have missed..

Maureen Tutino
Mom of Deputy James Tutino EOW 1/26/2005

January 26, 2008

Jo'Nee and Family,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts today. I know it's been three years since Tom's death and that some days it can still feel like yesterday. As you know, I understand that this journey through grief can be long and difficult, at times, but that we also get stronger with the passing of time and the accomplishments we achieve. We'll be saying prayers that you find peace, today. Take Care...

Denise Scarbrough, Surviving Spouse
Sgt. Michael A. Scarbrough EOW 2/9/05

January 25, 2008

Hi dad! It was 3 years ago that on this day, you were with us, but tomorrow will be different. I remember the call, going to the hospital to see you and you physically looked pretty good, but then the doctors told us the extent of your injuries. It was the worst day of our lives. Although it has been 3 years, you forever remain in my thoughts and memory. Everyday, I miss you and wish you were here with us. I love you very much and I want you to know that you will never be forgotten, never. I am so thankful for the Christmas of 2004 when you were holding Brayden and singing to her at mom's house just a month before your accident. I am still very proud of you and do my best everyday to show you. I just wish you were here, with us, chasing the bad guys and making everybody laugh. When I'm having a bad day, I try to remember your sense of humor to make it a little better. I love you so very much and today I will do my best to keep your memory alive. Love, your daughter!

Tomya
daughter

January 25, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 22, 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

January 9, 2008

Unfortunately, my last reflection will not become true and "he" is with you now. I'm sorry! And yet another loss that seems like I'm not strong enough to make it through...I have never said the Serenity Prayer so much in my life. It keeps me strong and reminds me of you which gives me strength (as much as possible). I'm sorry and I love you very much.

Tomya
daughter

December 28, 2007

Hey dad. I wanted to tell you that after 10 years, you're going to be a grandpa again. Can you believe that? Never thought it was possible! And although it is early, the date is around 8/5/08, 4 days from your birthday. I just wish more than anything you could be here with us. I miss you everyday and I love you very much.

TOMYA
DAUGHTER

December 11, 2007

Hey Dad,
I still think of you everyday and still miss you. I can't count how many times I have thought "I have to tell Dad....." and then realize I can't. So much has happened since you have been gone and I wish so much to share it all with you. How I wish you could see Macy, you would love her. For Halloween she was a chicken and to see her waddle around telling everyone "I a chicken" was so funny. People laughed when they heard her babbling on and on about being a chicken and not to touch her candy bag. She is so beautiful Dad, I can't believe I made such a pretty girl. The other 3 are growing like crazy and I am amazed at how much they have changed. I work in a jail now.....I am sure that would tickle you pink. I love it there and I work with some really great officers (now I know why you loved it so much). I always tease that I will give up nursing and become a deputy..ha ha. Wow usually over time if you don't see someone everyday or spend time with them then you tend to forget things but I remember everything about you as though it were yesterday. I still can not believe that it will be 3 years in January. I still wish that I would wake up and find that it was all a bad dream, it still rips my heart out everytme I realize your not comming back no matter how bad I want you to. I never ever thought that we would be without you, like it wasn't possible that you could ever be injured. I have decisions to make and I need you to help me, I don't know what to do. I feel a little numb these days with winter comming up which means that the warms day will soon be replaced with bitter cold, the trees will be bare, and the beautiful green will be buried beneath the cold heavy snow. Depressing. Everyday I will be waiting for spring. This Jan. I will be on a business trip the 2 days before your anniversary and I hate that I won't be here. January is a tough month these days. Well I guess I should try to sleep some tonight(this morning) but, I felt like I needed to write you. I miss you so very much.
Love,
Trace

Tracy
Daughter

November 3, 2007

Hey dad! It's been awhile, I know. I barely have time to do anything for myself due to work. I work constantly, but hopefully I'm making a difference. The more I do now, the less to do later. Well, another angel has joined you in heaven, April Ketchem. I'm sure you remember her and I pray you take good care of her dad. She is deeply missed down here by her family and friends. I feel that numbness all over again. I miss you so much and I'm wearing my pin today, Never Forgotten, for you and for April. Some times I think it makes me stronger and helps me get through the day. I love you with all my heart and I am so proud to be your daughter. I hope that all of us will do the annual Farmer's Fair Parade together and I just wish you could be there with us. I love ya dad. Watch over and keep us all safe, my angel. Millions of hugs and kisses. Love ya.

Tomya Allen
daughter

October 3, 2007

Hey Dad. Wow I don't think I have ever went this long without writing. I guess that tells you how much I am on the go again these days. I am as crazy busy as I use to be when you were giving me lectures about what would happen if I don't slow down be don't worry I have Chuck to lecture me and you would br proud...ha.
I miss you like crazy and we all talk about all the wonderful memories we have, and they are some really wonderful memories. I want so much to have you call me at the crack of dawn telling me I have X amount of time to get my ass into gear to go ride...ha. Chuck rode the bike a week ago and it was so weird to see that bike in front of me and you not be on it. Chuck thought it was pretty special and he grinned the whole time we rode just like you use to do....that kid in a candy store smile...the smile I will never forget. I can't stop laughing or crying when I think back to the time me and Jo'nee were in your driveway watching you ride up the road and back down the rode on the Marauder...up and down again with a huge smile on your face. How I miss all of the crazy conversations and the fun we use to have. The kids have grown so much and I have to say you have rubbed off on them.....they are a fun loving bunch and sure can make me smile. Me and Jo'nee are talking and we think she needs to get her motorcycle endorsement. What do you think about that. We would have a blast riding to the tanning bed...ha. I have been making an effort to leave work on time..I have missed spending time with Jo'nee but, we still have the weekends and are trying to plan a girls trip, I think we all need it and I think it would be good for me and Jo'nee to have that time to just kick up our heals on a beach with a big drink with a big umbrella in it.....can you picture that...I know I can..ha..ha.
Well I just wanted to let you know we all love you, we all miss you and we will never forget.
Please watch over my babies and your babies for me and keep them safe.
I love you.
Trace

Tracy
Daughter

September 13, 2007

Tom,
Your birthday has again come & gone that you were not here for all of us to share & celebrate with you. We visited your grave, still can't believe it's true. You would have been 59 years young & Tracy & I were talking of the bash we would have had for you next year on your 60th! Wow! Men don't age.....they just get more distinguished....you were the most distinguished man I knew. I miss you with every being in my body & love you even more. Until we meet again, continue to watch over all of us. We love you.

Jo'Nee

Jo'Nee Cochran
Spouse of Det Cochran/Lawrenceburg PD

August 13, 2007

hey daddy.
i wanted to wish you a happy birthday!!
we went to your grave today. and also for the first time in 2 years me and zach went to the paintball store. on the way there i was trying to prepare myself for whatever i was about to see. it was weird how its been 2 years and i could barley be at that store.
well i start school the 15th kinda excited not really though. but school keeps me busy and focused. i got a car. its pretty but the challenge with it is that i have to keep a B average grade in school. its gonna be pretty hard you know me.
josh is doing good. we moved him to his house in vincennes. and i really dont think he could have gotten a better room mate. darron is really nice. its gonna be weird with him gone once again. when something happens at school hes the first to know i HAVE to tell him. its an urge hah. but him and kaylee are doing good. i wish u were here to meet her. shes the best.
okay now mother goose. she is doing good. still trying to get tanner and tanner but me and you will always know she cant! hah. but she is just being a great mother. like always.
ohh and zachary. well theres not a day that goes by that we are not together. me and him are too much alike its scares me. he is a senior this year! unbelieveable. im a sophmore! even more scarier. lol. i think hes a huge part that helps me get through most days. like today on your birthday. we miss you alot daddy. we talked about alot of things like good memories. like when you would imitate that news guy on bruce almighty. or when we drove into that deer! haha that was good. and when you used facewash for mouth wash. even better!! me and zach think alot of you. and i know zach loves you alot.
tracy and chuck are doing good. tracy works full time crazy! but she is still as gorgeous. dont know how she does it.
oh and macy! wow. she blows me away. im so proud to be in her life and to be her aunt. she is the most gorgeous thing. she is just all walk and talk. im gonna teach her chantilly lace. i got her to say jessica now. now im working on AUNT jessica lol. she came home today and saw me and ran up to me and laid on the couch with me for a long time. she would look at me and just laugh. and smile. i can already see it now. im gonna spoil that girl like you would have. i wish you could see her. she is JUST like you already. i love her to death. the other day i was baby sitting her and i sat her on the kitchen table and your picture is hanging there and she just stared at you. i said macy who is that?? and she looked at me kinda sad at first then smiled real big and laughed. and pointed at you. like she knew you. then i said is that your grandpa macy?? and she just laughed all over again still pointing. it was the cutest thing.
i love you dad more than anything.
i miss you alot.
happy birthday.
love your daughter xoxo
jess

August 10, 2007

Hey dad, I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and tell you I miss you most on this day. I miss you everyday, but especially today, because I know that a wonderful person was brought into the world on this day. It makes it harder to know that you are now gone. You will always live on in my heart and soul. You will never be forgotten, but always missed. I live each day to make you smile down from heaven and hopefully, make you proud. I love you so much and miss you a million times over. You will always be my HERO. I love you, dad. Happy 58th Birthday!!!

Tomya
daughter

August 9, 2007

Grandpa,

Hey how doing? Been a while since i wrote last and i was browsing my computer and found the file with pictures of you and reminded me so much and i thought i would come and leave a message.
Well the summer has come and gone. Me and Jessica being together EVERY day has made it more fun. We go back to school the 15th of August. Last year for me and 2nd for Jess.
She is such a strong girl. Helping Jo'Nee out and helping with little Macy. Helping friends and living up her teen years with a smile of everyday.
Mom is great. Being the smart woman she is raising 4 kids and having a good marriage with Chuck. Working fulltime..How does she do it?
Riley and Sydney are good too. Less fighting but they are good.
Macy..oh Grandpa how i wish you could be here to see her. Running and talking up a storm. She is a smart little girl and she reminds us ALL of you! Crazy and goofy thing she is. Jessica was watching her at the house a few weeks back and she walked over to the shelf that holds everything of you and there was your picture..Macy looked at it and stared at it for minutes and Jessica said "Who is that macy" and she turned to Jessica with her eyes so big and just let out a laugh like she knew who that was. I think she knows your watching her!
Jo'Nee got me a license plate cover for my car that you can customize what words you put on it. I finally got it together and it is now on my car saying "In Memory of Det. Cochran" with West Coast Choppers Symbols on each side. It's really sharp looking along with my car, Shiniest Red it been in years.

Well i thought i would stop by and say hey, but i gotta hop off here and clean up the house before the rush comes home.

Watch Over us Grandpa.
We miss you!
Love Always
Zach

Zach Greathouse
Grandson

August 2, 2007

Hi Tom,

I was thinking of you today and what a tremendous influence and blessing you were in my life, even if it was for such a short time. The tears come so quickly when I think of you because, I never truly had the chance to Thank You for everything you did for me and my famiy. You never be forgotten you are in my heart always! Bless you and your family!

Thanks again Tom.

Forever in my heart and my prayers.
Sharon Siefert

August 1, 2007