Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you, my husband did. When he informed me of your passing, he also told me he attended the THP academy with you. He reflected on the weeks of "hell" you endured together.

To Trooper Larkins' family:

I can not imagine your loss. I will keep you in my prayers, always. I've been told Trooper Larkins always held his head high and set an example for others to follow. His example will live on through the lives he touched while serving in the patrol. Please know he will never be forgotten.

God has a special place in heaven for law enforcement officers....I know you will be a guardian angel to your family.

Rest in Peace Trooper Larkins

Wife of a Trooper
Tennessee

November 13, 2005

You made the ultimate sacrifice that we all face each day when we prepare for duty, and for that you will forever be a hero to all of us, your family, and your country. Thank you for your service, Todd.

Officer Jay Humphreys
Metro Nashville Police Department

October 16, 2005

Thank you for your service and making this a safer place to live. Having lost my son in the line of duty, I can sympathize with your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you, asking God to give you comfort & strength.

Brenda Lucas, Mother of fallen officer
Anthony D. Lucas, French Camp, MS, Police Chief, EOW – February 4, 2005

October 6, 2005

To the family and friends of Trooper Todd Larkins and his fellow officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Trooper Larkins was so tragically killed.

May you be comforted by the caring and support of your law enforcement community and other police survivors.
Our family grieves with you and for you.
It is so sad that Trooper Larkins died a such a young age leaving a wife and child behind. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg PD when he was fatally shot in April during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers. It is heartbreaking that there are so many children left to grow up without their fathers (or mothers), and so many spouses whose lives are forever altered. The death of a fallen officer leaves this void in the life of everyone who loved them.

Also to Tood's wife, I admire your activism and wish you luck in your project.


This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Trooper Larkins gave to his community and the citizens of Tennessee, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 8, 2005.

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

September 26, 2005

Well just finished another In-Service today and we talked about you today and how we wished you were still here. I had to fight tears back when we spoke of you today. Imagine that a combat Marine still getting choked up but as a new dad I can't imagine being away from my wife or son. I wish so much I could have been there to pull you from the side of the road but I wasn't. God speed. Christy and me will forever help your family or what ever we can do for respect of the Kind person you were.

OZ
THP

September 23, 2005

I had the pleasure of meeting Todd several years ago when I was just a jailor. Then I became an officer myself and Todd assisted my agency a few times. Todd was the sweetest guy. He would sit and talk to anyone just like he knew them all of his life. I remember when I heard the tragic news, I was working and I cried so hard. I went home and got onthe ODM page and read all the reflections that everyone had left him and I cried again. Just looking at your picture still brings tears to my eyes. Todd, I did not make it to your funeral and i'm sorry. You were a great officer and a great person to sit in the median and talk to! We lost a good one, but there has been so many changes since you left us. I know alot of other officers have been saved due to the move over law and they just don't know it. It's just too bad that you had to sacrifice everything to get that law noticed. We all miss you so much, you are usually the topic of many conversations when we pull someone over for the move over law. You are missed!

Officer

September 20, 2005

God bless you and your family Todd. I never had the chance to meet you, but have heard nothing but wonderful things since you passed away. I pray that God will look after your family and friends. I want to say thank you to your wife for helping protect us on the side of the road. In these last couple of months the move over law has been heavily promoted and enforced. I just hate this is what it took to get it done. We can only hope and pray that your sacrifice has saved countless other lives. God bless and watch over us all.

Trp. Michael D. Morgan II
Tennessee Highway Patrol

September 13, 2005

Todd,
Not only do I have the priviledge of receiving many e-mails of heroic acts by law enforcement and emergency personnel, I am also riddled with almost as many e-mails of tragedies.

Two months ago I finished reading an article about how you helped the now infamous Grandma. Moments later the next e-mail I read was that of your tragic death. I felt my heart stop.

Little did I know that a month later I would receive an e-mail from your wife, Alicia. Since then we have been e-mailing and calling each other. She is an amazing woman.

Todd, Alicia has not sat idly by allowing her world to collapse even further, but she is working to make a difference. Alicia has asked for our organization's help to make sure another family does not have to suffer the tragedy that your's has. She is working hard in TN to protect those you knew and thousands that you did not by promoting the move over law in TN and trying to make it stronger.

You should be incredibly proud of Alicia. She was equally proud of you. Know that your loss of life will not be just another statistic.

Please tell Calvin Taylor that my daughter is sending him a silly face.

Respectfully,
Lara Feinberg
Families for Roadside Safety

Lara Feinberg
Families for Roadside Safety

September 11, 2005

"The Storm Is Over Now"

I was in a tunnel
And couldn't see the light
And whenever I'd look up
I couldn't see the sky
Sometimes when I'm standin'
It seems like I done walked for miles
And my heart could be cryin'
Dead in the middle of a smile

But then I climbed the hills
And saw the mountains
I hollered help 'cause I was lost
Then I felt the strong wind
Heard a small voice sayin'

The storm is over
(The storm is over now)
And I can see the sunshine
(Somewhere beyond the clouds)
I feel Heaven
(Heaven is over me)
Come on and set me free

Now in the midst of my battle
All hope was gone
On the road in a rushed crowd
And felt all alone
And every now and then
I felt like I would lose my mind
I've been racin' for years
And still no finish line

But then I climbed the hills
And saw the mountains
I hollered help 'cause I was lost
Then I felt the strong wind
And then a small voice sayin'

The storm is over
(The storm is over now)
And I can see the sunshine
(Somewhere beyond the clouds)
I can feel Heaven, yeah
(Heaven is over me)

Come on and set me free

Somehow my beginning stepped right in
Then faith became my friend
And now I can depend
On the voices of the wind
When it's sayin'

The storm is over

(The storm is over now)

Sgt. Bill Duncan
North Carolina Highway Patrol

August 30, 2005

The men and women of the Mahomet Police Department extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Trooper Larkins.

Trooper Larkins thank you for your service. God bless you.

Rest in peace Sir!

Mahomet, IL Police Dept.

August 19, 2005

Todd, Im proud to be able to say I knew you. Only a few times we met, but you are not one that will be easy to forget. God Bless & Thanks for the Ultimate Sacrifice.

Trooper Charlie Caplinger
T.H.P.

August 15, 2005

Today was to have been a happy day, your 32nd birthday.
But the course of history was changed one Friday afternoon.
Your journey was not long when it came to an end.
You had a wonderful life, a life full of love and laughter.
And hopes of a bright future as a Trooper with the THP.
Your warm and wonderful smile will be missed by all.
But now you are an angel, guarding us from above.
May you rest in peace knowing that you gave it your all.
And that you did make a difference.
I love you, Todd.

Aunt Sara

August 12, 2005

I just read the lengthly post, below, from Officer Jody Grube of the Columbus, PD in reference to the Good Samaritan / Acts of Kind Deeds that Trooper Larkins shows to the "stranded Grandma." I am at a loss for words. The only word that comes to mind is "Hero." God bless you Todd, and all officers on the thin blue line. I will always remember this Trooper's story.

Michigan

August 10, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH TROOPER
LARKINS, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE BUFFALO, NEW YORK

August 7, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH TROOPER
LARKINS, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE BUFFALO, NEW YORK

August 7, 2005

How can I begin to express in words my thoughts surrounding this horrible nightmare I can not seem to wake up and escape from. On 7-8-05 my life, along with those of many others, changed forever. The news brought Troop D to its knees and its heart was torn in two. This is the day I lost a good friend and one of the best troopers I have ever had the priviledge of knowing. Many a tear was shed on Interstate 40 that day, and in the weeks that followed. It seems so senseless. You were young,gifted intellegent and had such a bright future with the Patrol. I always knew you were going places because as LT. Dover always told me, "the cream always rises to the top" and you were the cream of the crop. I will always remember your wonderful attitude, never complaining and always smiling no matter what the circumstances, shift or detail assignment; what a trooper. You never moaned, groaned or complained because you so loved being a State Trooper. The standard of excellence and the pride you took in your work spoke volumes about your character and should serve as an example to us all. You were truly the best of the best. Your badge and car number have been retired because there will never be another 3425. No one could ever replace you and our Troop will never be the same without you. May you continue to be an example to all of us, and to those who will follow.
You will never be forgotten, and your family will always be a part of ours.
Sarge

The Sarge (Troop D)
Tennessee Highway Patrol

August 6, 2005

"THE KNOCK"
HOW DO YOU SAY IT,
HOW DOES IT COME?

THESE WORDS,BUT A WHISPER,
"I'M SORRY,HIS LIFE IS NOW DONE

IT'S NOT A COLD SHOULDER
BUT A WARM CARING HEART,

THAT CAN STEP UP AND SAY;
"HE ALWAYS DID HIS DUTY,
MORE THAN HIS PART".

"WE'LL MISS ALL THE SMILES,THE JOKES AND THE GRINS,

ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN,UNTIL
WE SEE HIM AGAIN."

CLINT LE MOINE

August 4, 2005

TODD,
I FIRST MET YOU WHEN YOU BEGAN YOUR CAREER AS A TROOPER IN MAURY CO. I WAS STATIONED IN LAWRENCE CO. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW YOU THAT WELL I KNEW FROM YOUR PLEASEANT SMILE THAT YOU WERE SPECIAL. I HAVE HAD A HARD TIME DEALING WITH THIS SENSELESS TRAGEDY. WE AS LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE BROTHERS IN ARMS. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF WE KNOW EACH OTHER WE ONLY KNOW WE ARE ALL BROTHERS. I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. I PRAY THAT GOD BE WITH YOU IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. TODD YOU WILL LIVE IN MY HEART FOREVER. I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY. TAKE CARE AND GOD SPEED.

TRP. ALLEN CHAPMAN
T.H.P.

August 3, 2005

To the family with my deepest sympathy. Trooper Larkins is a hero and good example for all of us. I recently lost a fellow officer and best friend. He was on the way home from finishing second shift at UTPD and was hit by a tractor trailer that crossed I-40 in Knoxville. I didn't get the opportunity to meet Todd but I have two family members who are with THP. I hope to follow in the footsteps of many great Troopers. May God bless the family of Trooper Larkins as well as his fellow Troopers.

TODD SHAVER
UNIVERSITY OF TN KNOXVILLE PD

July 31, 2005

My deepest sympathy is extended to the Larkins family.

Todd and I were classmates in the THP academy. The first time I met him, I was greeted with a huge smile. After graduation, we were both assigned to neighboring counties. I often met Todd at the divider line and was always greeted by that huge smile. Later, we both transfered back to our hometowns and lost contact for a few years. But rest assured, the next time we met, I was greeted by that same huge smile.

Tragically, that smile has been taken away from us. However, for those of us who knew, met or worked with you, that smile will live strong in our hearts. I look forward to that glorius day when I am yet again greeted with that huge smile.

GOD be with you & your family 'til we meet again.

Trooper Tracy Tyler
Tennesee Highway Patrol

July 26, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Todd did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Todd be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Trooper Larkins' family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Todd but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Todd will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Todd will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Trooper Larkins for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 25, 2005

To the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper Todd Larkins,

I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers of Trooper Todd Larkins. I am a police officer from Columbus, Ohio and can feel your pain. In January, 01/06/2005, we lost Officer Bryan S. Hurst while he was working special duty at a bank. The bank robber came in shooting and although Bryan was mortally wounded he returned fire and hit the robber twice. The resulting injuries suffered by the bank robber led to his capture a few days later. Bryan was a classmate of mine in the police academy and a friend. That is how I discovered this website. I visit it on occasion and read the things that people leave on Bryan’s memorial and occasionally leave a reflection on another officer’s memorial. However, today I came to the website expressly to leave this reflection.

I was reading the Columbus Dispatch this morning and on the front page of the Metro & State section there was a commentary written by Mike Harden. The title was ”Tennessee trooper’s tragedy hits home in Ohio”. It was the story of a Columbus woman who had gone to Texas to bring her 13 YOA grandson to visit his mother here in Columbus. Along for the ride were her grandson’s 9 YOA stepsister and a golden retriever. The woman’s car broke down just south of Nashville and Trooper Larkins responded to the call for service. The grandmother was traveling on a tight budget and had very little extra money, however, she was able to summons some people from Columbus to come the next day and pick them up. She was hard pressed for a place to stay and funds to feed the children. Not only did Trooper Larkins help them get off the freeway, a hotel room at a local truck stop was secured for them to stay in at rock bottom prices. Shortly after they settled into the room, two city police officer’s from Dickson, TN brought pizza for the family. Later employees of a Citgo station nearby sent milk and boxes of doughnuts so there would be breakfast the next morning. When the Ohio grandmother called to thank the people at the station she learned she was talking with Trooper Larkin’s wife, Alicia, the manager of the business. Before leaving for Ohio the next day the Ohio grandmother phoned the mayor’s office in the town of Dickson, the city police chief and the highway patrol post to express her gratitude. She also spoke with a reporter from The Dickson Herald.

Back in Ohio the grandmother was still spreading the word of the kindness she was shown by Trooper Larkins and the community of Dickson, when she got a phone call from the reporter who had done the “human interest story” telling of her plight and the good Samaritans response in Dickson. The reporter told her of the death of Trooper Larkins. The Ohio grandmother rented a car and drove to Dickson to attend Trooper Larkins funeral. She introduced herself to his widow and explained that she was the “stranded grandmother” who was rescued by Trooper Larkins and the citizens of Dickson.

The story written about this wonderful act of kindness by Trooper Larkins and the citizens of Dickson was printed in The Dickson Herald on July 8th the day that Trooper Larkins was killed.

I couldn’t let today go by without letting you know that we are all grieving with you. I hope that you can take some comfort in the fact that Trooper Larkins was doing something that he obviously loved and was very good at. He is sitting next to God in heaven watching over all of us. And he waits to be reunited with you all as you pass through the gates of heaven on your final journey. He obviously touched many lives during his short stay on earth and you can be proud of everything that he did. HE IS A TRUE HERO.

To Trooper Larkins,

Thank you for the kindness you showed to a stranded grandmother from Ohio and for all the other undocumented acts of kindness I am sure you performed throughout your career. Make sure you meet Bryan, he is a great guy. Tell him that we all still miss him everyday.

I look forward to meeting you at my FINAL ROLL CALL. Rest easy now, my brother. We have got it from here.

Officer Jody Grube
Columbus, Ohio Police Department

July 24, 2005

Todd well man it has been two weeks since that HORRIBLE DAY. Words can’t explain the feeling that I had when I first heard that you have had been hit on the interstate. Todd I was just thinking about some of the times we have spent together. Rather it was in court, Dickson Post, markets, or on road blocks. I would not trade any of those memories for anything. I didn’t matter what time or when you always had a smile on your face.
Todd you were an awesome Tennessee State Trooper here so I know that you are going to make heaven a good Trooper as well. You have paid the ultimate sacrifice for everyone’s safety. Your job here is done Rest in Peace! “Greater Love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friend.” “JOHN 15:13” “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. James 5:7”
Todd, I can not wait till that day that all of us from “Troop D” get to patrol together in heaven.

Trooper Travis Plotzer
Tennessee Highway Patrol

July 23, 2005

Trooper Larkins,

Rest in Peace, my brother. My prayers are with you, your family and your co-workers.

Sergeant Michael E. Kopp, Jr.
New York State Police

July 23, 2005

My prayers are with the family of Trooper Larkin as they deal with this difficult time.

Trooper
Missouri State Highway Patrol

July 21, 2005