Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 29, 2008

TOMMY AS I REFLECT ON YOU ASZ A PERSON I MUST ADMIT THAT YOU WERE A TRULY GOOD FRIEND TO ALL. THAT YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND I NEVER SAW YOU COMPLAIN. I REMEMBER THAT DAIL SMILE OF YOURS. I REMEMBER THAT VERY DAY WHEN YOU WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS FOR DAY WATCH ROLL CALL. AND I'LL REMEMBER YOU FOR THE FREIND YOU WERE.

CHARLES McCULLOUGH, RETIRED.

officer, retired. charles mccullough
L.A. AIRPORT P.D.

February 29, 2008

I hate to ask others how you were because I wish I could have had the opportunity to know you myself and to be trained by you. I respect you for giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect us from any danger that day. Everytime I patrol S/B on Lincoln Blvd. I look at your memorial and it reminds me to be proud of my agency, the agency that you represented and respected in each and every way. Thank You Ofcr. Scott for reminding me each and everyday to respect people and to appreciate life. Thank You.....

Police Officer
LAXPD

January 13, 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 1, 2007

Tommy,
Show Phil around I'm sure you both already have God & the angels laughing

Honor Guard
LAXPD

November 21, 2007

Just wanted to say hello Tommy. We all miss your smile and your great personality. May God continue to bless your family. You are a true hero.

Police Officer
Los Angeles Police Dept. LAX Station

November 18, 2007

I was searching on the internet about training hours, but somehow I ended up reading this page...
I hope that I can be a person with great inner strength like yourself if I get into the job. Give all of us, who are in the process of stepping into this field, strength to do the job like the way you did. Thank you Sir.

A candidate
LAXPD

October 18, 2007

I just recentlty went by the memorial to Officer Scott next to the LA Airport. It was great to see this officer rememebered by his peers and the public.

Lt J. Perez

September 11, 2007

Something pulled me here to day to read the reflections about Tommy. I felt compelled to add my own, even though I did not know Tommy too well.

I was at the range qualifying the day Tommy was murdered. I vividly remember the 'officers needs help' calls from dispatch and the frantic 'officer down' radio calls from the officers that responded to the scene. Those of us in street clothes did not respond to the scene; I remember every minute of fear, anger, and dread while we waited for word from the scene. There was a lot of pacing, silly, stupid jokes and nervous laughter, and finally silence. When word came that Tommy had been killed, many people sat and cried quietly. Others hugged friends, and some sat in stunned silence. One reflected, "He can't be dead. I just talked to him this morning." All activity at the range ceased and we all sat around the large training tables and reflected. Occasioanlly, a cell phone would ring and an officer on scene would pass information to the rest of us. I remember one officer bumming a ride to the station so she could suit up and respond to help. Two central themes emerged during our hushed conversations: 1. It was hard to accept that Tommy was dead because he exuded life, vitality, and warmth; and, 2. Tommy had impacted so many lives in such positive ways that I began to envy those that knew him well. Tommy was so much more than an outstanding officer and good friend to so many people. He was an ambasador for this agency and law enforcement nation-wide. I heard several stories of him returning to the station late after his shift ended because he had spent a little extra time walking with someone that couldn't find their connecting gate, or stopping to talk to the kids, or visitng with airline employees on the way back in. He was a good police officer because he had the ability to connect with people on a human level beyond the badge and uniform. His warm smile defrosted many a cold heart and his friendly, easy-going manner was a source of encouragement, strength, and relief to everyone he met. Tommy learned from his family to love life and be good to others. I remember his father expressing concern about how WE were taking his son's death. I remeber choking back tears (unsuccessfully) at the grave side, when Tommy's Dad stood and prayed for us, Tommy's commrades. As we gathered around under the trees in the cool shade far away from the news cameras and City officials, holding hands like the fmaily we are, he prayed to God in a strong voice that our wounds would heal, that our hearts would be comforted, and that we would be strengthened. Other than my own father, I have never admired another human being as much as Tommy's dad.

Tommy reminded me of the importance of two things that I had gradually forgotten over the past 19 years of my career.

1.) Don't take for granted that you will come home at the end of watch. Forgive, love, and enjoy while you can because the future is promised to no one. Let the people you love know how much they mean to you.

2.) Genuine smiles cost nothing and are therefore a great investment; the return far exceeds the initial outlay. Warm up someones day every day.

While some of my colleagues will vehemently disagree, I do feel pity for the wretch that murdered Tommy. Even the hardest heart of stone feels the pain of destroying something beautiful and good.

anonymous sergeant
Los Angeles World Airport Police

September 10, 2007

What a horrific way to die! I have had to consciously keep myself from reaching inside a suspect's car to stop them from driving away -- I have also considered how I would explain to the chief about how his patrol car was stolen if that were to happen. Thank you, Officer Scott, for your selfless and courageous effort to protect the citizens at the airport and thank you for your service to your agency!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta (SC) Dept. of Public Safety

August 8, 2007

I am sitting here doing research to assist in writing the next Sergeant's exam and Tommy, your name popped up in a search. I followed the link and here I am. As I read some of the reflections, the tears began to flow as if your murder had just occurred. I still remember your graduation from the Academy, performance in the Field Training Program and your progression in the Department.

Tommy you are truly missed !

Those that knew Tommy know that reflections that are listed here are extremely accurate. Tommy was genuinely all that he is described as being.

To all of my Airport Police family and other officers that were in the area the day Tommy was murdered. Tommy was doing the job he loved, was born to do and was great at. Do not blame yourself for Tommy's death. If we had known what was about to transpire, there isn't one of us that would not have been there. I was on duty and heard the "officer down" call go out. It is a transmission I pray I never hear again. He is next to God now as he was called home.

Tommy, Rest in Peace, we love you and I cherish my memories. As long as there is breath in my body your memorial will remain beautiful. Also, upon my passing please meet me as I would have been honored for you to be a member of my blood family. Love you MAN.

Lt. Edward Trahan
Los Angeles Airport Police

August 7, 2007

Hey Bro:

Well, You were the topic of conversation today at Roll Call. I will never forget the 13th Annivesary of the largest civil unrest in the history of the United States, because of the horrific scene that some of my officers were exposed to at the scene of Your murder.

May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 6, 2007

It feels like only yesterday when I recall you as the new and eager officer who simply loved life and his job. We all miss your warm smile and positive attitude. No matter what happened, you never stopped smiling. It was an honor to service with you.

Police Officer / K9 Handler
LAXPD

July 19, 2007

TOMMY

I wept such a raging river on the day of your passing.
Mixed with tears of so many others, that river became a sea.
And even though you and I were not blood-related,
you will now and forever be a brother to me.

I was so proud to walk by your side and call you a “partner”.
I’ll miss your altruism, smiles, and presence...24/7.
And the only reason we are not patrolling together,
is that God hand-picked an Angel...to protect those in Heaven.

-JAMS

JAMS

June 11, 2007

Its been two yrs today. Funny but alot of new officers come and ask me for advice or some sort of "wisdom" about the job.but when I was unhappy with the way things were going ,you always had a positive spin on things,always had words of encouragement-maybe you got that from your dad.I miss you,Tommy and I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me.........

Officer M.K. Gentry
L.A. Airport PD

April 30, 2007

Two years have passed. You have not been forgotten.

April 29, 2007

Officer Scott,today marks the 2nd anniversary of your murder. May your killer never feel freedom again. Your efforts on behalf of the travelling public, to keep us safe from those who wish to harm us will never be forgotten. You and all those who protect America's airports are truly heroes.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

April 29, 2007

Tommy, 2 years later, we are still thinking about you. We will never forget "Class 161".

Officer Rick Gonzalez
University Of Southern California PD

April 27, 2007

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

December 13, 2006

Rest in peace Officer Scott....May God bless your family and comrades during this difficult time.....

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

December 9, 2006

Its now how this officer died that made him a hero.....
its how he lived

human being
a friend

November 22, 2006

You still run through my mind daily. You will be missed everyday to come.

September 25, 2006

Thanks Tommy for helping me and others in the academy. I will never forget you. You are the definition of a team player. It was an honor to have graduated with you. You are an inspiration. May God be with you.

Police Officer Shaun Sundahl
Calexico Police Department

September 7, 2006

HARD TIMES LIKE THIS COME AND GO. YOU MUST STAY STRONG AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF OFFICER SCOTT, KEEP YOUR HEADS UP HIGH. OFFICER SCOTT WILL BE WATCHING OVER YOU WITH A SMILE, SO WHEN YOUR FEELING DOWN, JUST LOOK UP AND HE WILL BE LOOKING AT YOU. OFFICER SCOTT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU...

ALEX PRATT
SON OF PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT SGT (RET)

July 16, 2006

To the Scott family, fellow peace officers & survivors.

I recently returned from the annual Law Enforcement Memorial service which took place from 05/04/06 through 05/06/06 in Sacramento, CA. It was truly a remarkable event to behold. I was very honored to have been on hand not only to represent my department and to honor fallen LAXPD Officer Tommy E. Scott, but to help comfort fellow survivors of law enforcement related deaths. As I waited to take a rubbing of my friend's name, (EOW 04/29/2005) I came face to face with Phyllis Loya, the mother of fallen Officer Larry Lasater (Pittsburg PD, EOW 04/24/2005). While she grieved, I gave her a hug of support. She told me how much she missed her son. I told her that we all shared her loss. Another survivor asked if the name I was rubbing was my brother officer? I told her that they were all my brothers / sisters. No matter what agency you're employed by, we are all one family. But it's not enough just to protect and to serve, it's also important to reflect, honor and above all else to remember those that paid the ultimate price in order to enforce the law.

LAX Police Officer
Shawn M. Smith
Crime Scene Unit

Airport Police Officer Shawn M. Smith
Los Angeles World Airport Police

May 7, 2006