Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thomas: We really miss you. You left a mark on our hearts. I thank God for you being a part of our lives. You have always been a wonderful Godfather to Katavia. As you rest in peace I remember God's promise that someday we will all be together again. My Parents, Christa Bell and all of our families will reunite forever! PRAISE GOD!!!!! Job Well done! You have been a very FAITHFUL servant.Our Murrah family and Paul Quinn College family are still united by sweet memories.

Jamie Perkins-Moore
Extended family (Sister)

October 14, 2007

Catchings I was just getting to no you and my heart say that you are a great person. I have gotten a change to no your wife and children and see that they must reflect you.

Betty Spann
Evidence And Rec.Property

March 30, 2007

Thomas,
Today marks two years that we have had to endure the absence of your blooming personality. Although time is continually healing us (your family and friends). I still miss you just as much today as I did the first day you left us. I am constantly reminded of all of the great fun we use to have. Sometimes I still have the urge to pick up the phone and dial those "8's". Today will always be the day that we will celebrate your life and what it meant us. We know that you are looking out for us and all of your fellow law enforcement brothers and sisters. I know that you and CrystalBelle are having a good time and still managing to find time to look out for us. Continue the good work up there and cut them violators a break sometimes. We love ya.

Kim Harrison
Jackson Police Department

March 17, 2007

May your loved ones receive The Lord's comfort today and always.G-d Bless.

March 17, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

March 17, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of them as they miss you each and every hour of every day. Happy St. Patrick's Day and thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 17, 2007

Its always hard to loose someone you Love and with the death of Thomas its even harder. When Thomas Catchings died Jackson Police Department didnt only loose a good Officer it lost a brother to all Officers. To those who dont know Thomas Catchings he had a personality that could brighten any room he entered. During my FTO training Thomas would meet with myself and my FTO every morning for breakfast or sometimes just a cup of coffee. Thomas always kept a smile on his face and never brung any problems he had outside of work to work with him, thats profesionalism. I know that life is short and I thank God for allowing me to become friends with a true hero known as Thomas Drumane Catchings, you will never be forgotten my JPD brother. From your Jackson Family

Officer Malcolm Macon
Jackson Police Department

November 22, 2006

PTN Catchings

I have read the tragady of your EOW. I am also a motorcycle patrolman. You sir are a true hero. You went beyond your duty to stop a criminal. I do not know you but feel that I should. Rest in peace my brother.


Russell J. Blanchard III, #84

Officer First Class Russell Blanchard
Gretna Police Department

November 6, 2006

Hey Brother I just wanted to say you are still riding with us everyday TC.

The Motorcycle Officer's Poem reads as follows:
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble; they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes; you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

Officer Lance Scott
Jackson Police Department

June 13, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse

May 4, 2006

Thomas' dynamic personality and brilliant smile is missed by all who knew and loved him!!

peggie nelson

March 24, 2006

My cousin Thomas. it has been a year since God called you home, but each and every day I think about our good times, family times spent together in Jackson, I remember when you came to California and stay with my family those times are some of the best memories I have of you. I realize God makes no mistakes, that is how I look at your demise, you were doing what you enjoyed, and that is the best part about your loss, the family misses you so much, your personality always brought joy, you will always live in my heart, and i thank God for my memories mainly of all of the family reunions. We are having another one this year (inJuly) and you will be missed so much words will never be able to express.
May God cherish his precious gem, Thomas, safe a sit for me.

I love you and will miss you always,
Rest In His Arms.

S.Renee Larry-McGill

March 24, 2006

You will forever be remembered as a hero. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

March 18, 2006

To Patrolman Thomas Catchings and his loved ones:

On this the first 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.
I hope that our paths cross in D.C.

Patrolman Catchings, 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 Catchings. I am humbled by your valor, courage, and dedication.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Patrolman Catchings gave to his community and the citizens of Mississippi, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on March 17, 2005.

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

March 17, 2006

One year already without your precious loved one. We honor the memory and life of Officer Thomas Catchings and will be in Washington in May to hear his name read and stand beside you.

With deepest sympathy,
Linda Rittenhouse
Matt's Mom Forever

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Officer Matthew Rittenhouse 9/16/04

March 17, 2006

Sir, today is the one-year anniversary of your loss. I hope your family and friends find some comfort in knowing that people all around the county remember this date, are reminded of the hero you are and keep you and your family in our prayers. God bless sir.

Deputy Richard Conti
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

March 17, 2006

To the family of this fine young man..he is just a few steps ahead of you down the road we all walk.May Our Lord comfort you today and always.

March 17, 2006

On the first anniversary of your tragic death, I hold you and your family in prayer. May you rest in peace in the loving arms of God. You are a hero who will not be forgotten.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

March 16, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow officers of Patrolman Catchings on this one year anniversary of his passing. His service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

May you continue to rest in eternal peace, safe in the arms of the angels.

Carin E. Sollman, surviving spouse
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

March 16, 2006

It will be one year that your tour of duty ended. So many broken hearts have been left behind, but they will never forget your. You are a true hero and your memory will be kept alive by your loved ones and the Family Blue. Keep watch over your family, guide them on their lifes path, wrap your wings around them to ease some of their pain. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

March 11, 2006

I work with a friend of your family. He told me about your husband. Your husband is a hero. His memory will never be forgotten. As his 1 year anniversary approaches remember that there will always be people who respect your husbands memory. He is a hero.

Indianapolis Survivor, 18Aug04

February 12, 2006

You are truly a hero and very much missed.My love and support goes out to the family and friends.Rest in peace and still keep a watch over us .May God bless. Treda

Treda

January 7, 2006

Patrolman Catchings, your bravery and courage on this day are unequalled.
You are a true Hero, with True Grit, and you will never be forgotten.

Retired Police Officer, EOW 4-16-96

December 23, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

I saw Officer Catchings the day before he died. We talked about riding the motorcycle and how much i wanted to be in the traffic unit. That was something he could talk about all day. I could see in his eyes that he had a passion for riding his bike and he was very good at it. He told me that if he made it that i could also. I wish i could thank him again for those motivating words,we all wish we could see him on I-220 just a little after six a.m running radar. You will be missed by me and alot of good friends and family. See you on the other side my friend.
Eric Henry PCT3

Officer Eric D Henry
Jackson Police Department

November 14, 2005