Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I didn't know you personally, but I do know of what you stood for, you are truly missed and loved by all who serve. May God bless you and your family.

SGT Byron Vaughan
Leland Police Dept.

October 24, 2005

To the family and friends of Officer Thomas Catchings and fellow officers with the Jackson Police Department:

On behalf of our entire famiy, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered with the brutal murder of Patrolman Catchings. I was saddened to read about the incident that took Patrolman Catchings life, but not surprised at the bravery Thomas exempified by successfully returning fire after being wounded.

In reading the reflections about him, it is obvious he was a dedicated officer who was admired and loved by many. His dedication to his family and job will be forever remembered. How sad that he died at such a young age leaving a loving wife and family.

Our family grieves with you and for you.
In April, we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Department when he was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. His first child was born 2 1/2 months after his death. Knowing that all these children have to grow up without their father is so heartbreaking.

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

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

September 8, 2005

I meet Thomas before he became officer Cathings. He was a true friend!! Always had that wonderful smile on his face and loved to ride his motorcycle!!
Thomas we will miss you doing what you liked best but God saw that you need rest we know you are watching over us while you ride through heavns streets
one day in heavn again we will meet
sleep on Thomas We Love you

Tabatha Webb
Friend from Peoples Funeral Home

Tabatha

June 1, 2005

This story is truly inspirational that although Ofc. Catchings was injured he remained focued. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and the department. Thank you Ptl. Catchings for serving your city and country and although all life is precious even the bad guys I'm glad to know that there is one less cop killer sitting in jail wasting tax payers money.

Sgt. Timothy Holt
Grand River Police Dept., Ohio

June 1, 2005

To be the family of Officer Catchings they have my prayers and to the Jackson Police Dept they also have my prayers. As a former police officer I know all to well what those officers go through on a daily basis. And Thomas is a true hero watch over us brother.

Martin Wilson

May 24, 2005

I never knew Patrolman Catchings, but I have the utmost respect and gratitude for him and for what he died doing. As just an average citizen, I want to say "thank you" for serving and protecting us...something which can never be said too often. Rest in Peace.

Anonymous

May 5, 2005

To the family of Thomas Catching's, I had the honor of serving with Thomas on the JPD Motorcycle Unit until I was deployed to Iraq with my National Guard Unit. I recieved the news of his death through emails from other officers. Just as soldiers from my unit have fallen fighting the war over here, Thomas has fallen fighting a war between good and evil on the streets of Jackson. I will miss him when I return to duty with the Police Dept. Thomas fit in perfectly with the rest of us in the Motorcycle unit. Always ready with a joke and able to handle our ribbing too. I was one of the instructors when Thomas went through the motorcycle qualification course. This is a tough course designed to make sure officers have the skills to manuver the motorcycles through obstacles they might face out on the street. It was obivious the Thomas had these skills, but there was one part of the course that gave him all kinds of problems. He must have dropped his motorcycle a hundred times trying to get through this obstacle, and I went out there a hundred times to help him pick the bike up. After we'd get the bike back up, he'd get this mad then determined look on his face and jump back on and get lined up to try it again. He would enter the obstacle again and BAM, right back down on the pavement! During that week we must have spent hours trying to get through that one obstacle. He never gave up. You could tell he loved riding and it was during this time that I determined that Thomas was just the kind of officer that belonged in the Motor Unit. A Unit that I have spent 11 of my 16 years on the Department in. I will deeply miss not having the opertunity to work with him again, but I sure value the time that we did share.

Patrolman John Harlan
Jackson MS Police Dept.

April 25, 2005

It sends tears to my eyes to see another outstanding officer fallen. Such a young and handsome officer. My prayers will be with his wife and children. Even though I did not know Officer Catchings, by reading his story of tragedy and others reflections, he was one person who touched all of our hearts without ever having to shake our hands in a form of greeting. May his story touch the hearts of others and be remembered to us all as we continue where Catchings left off....... Thank you.

Police Officer and wife of PO
Monterey, California

April 23, 2005

To the family, co-workers and friends of Motor Ofc. Catchings: My heart goes out to all of you at this sad time. God Bless all of you. Brother Catchings, God be with you my friend, thank you for all that you sacrificed.

Motor Ofc. C.H. Spurlin #237
Gwinnett Co. P.D. (Metro-Atlanta)

April 8, 2005

Sic Semper Tyrannis

God speed, Job well done

Matt. 5 :7

Trooper
Virginia State Police

April 6, 2005

In time, you will smile again and truly feel it, and your laughter will be genuine. But until your pain has gone away, and your sadness has disappeared, don't feel you have to be strong. What you're feeling is real. Don't feel like you're wrong if you want to cry. There are some roads in life that we must travel alone, even though we may be surrounded by people whom we love. Some things in life, such as what you're feeling now, can't be felt by anyone but you. But just remember you are not alone at all, everyone who loves you is walking with you in spirit, and will be there with you. You'll find a new strength, a new peace, and a new happiness. it just takes a little time. God Bless The Friends and Family Of Officer Thomas Catchings.

A Sister behind The Wall
California Department Of Corrections

April 3, 2005

THOMAS, I'am sure you realize now that you meant so much to people who knew you and and those who didn't. Know your braveness saved your fellow officers, so rest well my brother---And to the family, be happy and proud to know that THOMAS is still 10-8 and wearing the uniform, but this time he has a new supervisor(GOD)

SGT. JAMES STOKES
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY D.P.S

April 3, 2005

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psalms (ch. XXIII, v. 2)

Tom, rest in peace for your watch is over. God bless.

Refuge Officer Jeff Weisend
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ajo, AZ

April 2, 2005

To the family of Officer Thomas Catchings, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time, may the peace of God continue to surround and protect you.

A family friend in North Canton, OH

C. Henderson
[email protected]

April 2, 2005

Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Joe Caragiulo
Miami Police (retired)

April 1, 2005

God Bless Patrolman Catchings,his families and the Jackson Police Department!You will be missed by ALL and forgotten by NONE!My Thoughts and Prayers are with Patrolman Catchings,His families,and this Department !

Deputy Sheriff
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office , Louisville Kentucky

April 1, 2005

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Rest in Peace, Tom.

Postal Inspector Tim Weisend
U.S. Postal Inspection Service

April 1, 2005

This Officer was amazing,he was severely wounded but continued to fight back and stopped his assailant and most likely saved someone else's life,A true HERO.To the family,friends and co-workers of Ofc.Catchings,you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Cpl. David Hazlett
Berry Hill P.D./Nashville,Tn.

April 1, 2005

If Tom Catchings isn't a true hero,I don't know who is.Good On You! That low life never hurt anyone else again.

Paul Bardal
Cdn Armed Forces

March 31, 2005

Officer Thomas Catchings you are the true definition of the word HERO. You will leave a legacy for your children that cannot be forgotten, ever. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice for the citizens of Jackson. People just don't realize how dangerous it is getting, or how close we all are to going "home". Tell Billy hello for me. Thanks again.

KY Peace Officer
Isaiah 40:31

March 31, 2005

May God Bless you, Patrolman Thomas Catchings. Thank you for your service. You will be missed.

Leslie Phillips
Concerned Citizn

March 31, 2005

On behalf of my friend, Officer Thomas Catchings, his family, and the Jackson Mississippi Police Department, I would like to thank all of you for your heartfelt expressions and condolences. Your support has really meant a lot. We solicit your continued prayers.

Sgt. Kim Harrison
Jackson Police Department

March 30, 2005

Thomas,
We've known each other since middle school (Brinkley Jr. High) and you were the same cheerful free-spirited person then and as an adult. It is amazing how things can happen so swiftly and affect everyone's lives in the blink of an eye. I was talking to Chief Smith about the Toy drive and I mentioned how ironic it is how you have shopped wholeheartedly for the children of some of our other fallen officers' families in the past. Now the table has turned and we will be including yours now. Well, you know we will definitely take care of them because you did the same for others because that was just you! You were kind of worse than me when it came to shopping for toys. You were also Kim's right-hand in this venture and we don't know who can take your place, if anyone because you both put in many countlessless hours. Without a doubt, we will all definitely miss you. I asked Chief Smith if we could dedicate the Toy Giveaway in your honor and of course you know he had the very same thought. You were doing your job in which you liked so well and we know that you will always be around here in spirit.

Sincerely,
Sonya Johnson Bowman, Admin. Secretary
Deputy Chief Claude Smith
Jackson Police Department - Support Services Division

Sonya J. Bowman
Jackson Police Department

March 30, 2005

To the family of Officer Catchings: God will put no more on us than we can bear. May God help and keep you during this trying time.

a concerned and caring citizen

March 29, 2005

When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not here to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you you loved me as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far far above and that I would have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned away, a tear fell from my eye for all my life I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do it seemed almost most impossoble that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought just for a while I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile, but then I fully raelized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of wordly things that I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heavens gate, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne, He said this is eternity and all I've promised you. Today your life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrows, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven, and now a last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me? So, when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart. God Bless the Catchings and The Law Enforcement Family

Capt. Jerry Carter
Dept. Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

March 29, 2005