Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I attended Murrah with Thomas. We graduated together. I had lost touch with him until seeing his sister Chante today. I did not know he had died. My heart is so sad. He was a great person who truly made a difference.

Dan Gibson
Mayor of Natchez, MS

October 10, 2021

I was just 16 when this happened, I turned on the t.v. and I saw the breaking news, your story always cross my mind, after moving to Jackson I found the street this happened at and I'm so happy they nameed the street after you in your honor,which I take everyday because I live a street over from your street thats now named after you, I pray you are at peace and your family, Thank you for your service to the City Of Jackson. RIP

Anonymous

May 29, 2021

Thank you for your service sir!!!

Desmene Otis

November 11, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Catchings.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 28, 2019

HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND AN UPSTANDING OFFICER. HE WAS A MAJOR PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND WE MISS HIM VERY MUCH.

Sharon Norwood-Lewis, rookie

May 15, 2018

Rest in peace brother. As we observe those have given the ultimate sacrifice here at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial we are thinking of you and your family. God bless you all. We will cover you from here.

Motor Unit
JPD

May 13, 2016

Officer Catchings your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the City ofJackson and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow LE brother!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

March 17, 2016

God Bless you my brother for your service and courage. May the Lord bless your family always. rest in Peace.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

March 6, 2016

You are always in our hearts. We miss you every second of the day.

Ofc. Bright

March 17, 2015

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the City of Jackson! Continue to Rest in Peace Officer Catchings.

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

March 17, 2015

I want to send condolences to the family of Varrick Hester. May God comfort your family at this difficult time. God has a plan and everything happen according to his will. But through Christ our Lord we can find comfort.

Dallas Belser
United States Courts

September 13, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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 respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 17, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP as you were a Hero.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 17, 2012

Thomas,

It's said that "time heals a broken heart" but believe me that's not true. My heart will never heal from losing you in such a tragic, yet Honorable way. The only things that eases my pain are the memories of holding you in my arms the day you were born, the joys you brought to us as you matured, and how proud we were when you took your Oath to 'Protect and Serve'. That, Thomas, you did so well.

Alas, you were on loan to us but for a few days from the Lord Jesus. It was His decision to call you 10-7 here on earth, to your Heavenly rest in His arms, "Thou good and faithful servant".

Enjoy your rest Thomas. Give your Mother a big hug and kiss for me and, soon and very soon, we'll all gather at the river.

Uncle Lynn

Lynn Laster
Uncle

November 8, 2011

We are still fighting the good and just fight brother.

Andrew McGahey
Former JPD Investigator

March 17, 2011

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 17, 2010

Thomas, I can't tell you or anyone how much I miss and think about, it doesn't feel right when I return home (Jackson), and you are not there. I keep expecting to see you. I miss your wonderful sense of humor.

I can't believe it's been 4 years. I am still in shock.

i know God makes no mistakes, I know you are in heaven performing your officer duties :0)

I love you & miss you so much cuz,
Save a seat for me.....
Renee Larry-Mcgill
Pittsburg,Ca.

renee larry-mcgill
family

March 24, 2009

Dear Patrolman Catchings, today marks another year without your smiling face. may you rest in peace knowing your work made the streets of Jackson safer

Godbless and thank you for your service

Anonymous

March 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

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

March 17, 2009

Thomas,

I have not written anything in your honor since you passed and I am sorry for that. I have thought of you and your family since you passed this life to the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.You stuck your neck out for a citizen of the city of Jackson and you and your family paid the price. You would have done it again. I thought you were going to be OK when I spoke to you after this happened. When I heard you passed by dispatch I thought I was hearing things. You are a true hero and your children and wife should be proud and they are. Rest easy brother!!

Andrew McGahey
Former JPD Investigator

December 12, 2008

"Fallen but not forgotten" you are a hero that stand so tall.

Chief Deputy Stanley James
Jefferson Co. Sheriff Office Pine Bluff,AR

April 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Catchings on the anniversary of his passing. Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

March 17, 2008

...Never Forgetten...

Officer
Bay City MI

March 17, 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

November 29, 2007