Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

T balls you were truly an amazing person, I knew you not only as a police officer but as a mentor and as a friend. you will be greatly missed but even more greatly remembered my prayers go out to the police department of Kirkwood and to the Ballman family, may the grace of god be with you through this sad and tragic time.

Exp. Sgt. Chris Myers
St.Louis metropolitan Police department

February 17, 2008

Today we lost a hero, this day God welcomed one home. Through your dedication and the example you set lives were changed. You will not be forgotten.

Patrolman Dwayne Delcour
Mansfield Police Department Mansfield, Mo

February 17, 2008

God bless & R.I.P

Ofcr Moore 3176
FWPD

February 17, 2008

Where do I find the words to describe such a man?
Tom was many things:
A U.S. Marine
A Police Officer
A Mentor
A True Hero
The list goes on forever...
This man was a great inspiration to all of the explorers.
Although many of the explorers he came into contact with were not in his post, he treated us like his own.
At times he was hard on us but, it was only because he believed in us. I am humbled to think such a man would believe in me. Even now I shed a tear as I remember one of the most influential people in my career. This is a sad reminder to all law enforcement personell that at any time, any one of us could be in a life or death situation.
1*

We will never forget you T-Balls, Rest in peace, We will take the job from here.

Police Explorer David Burks
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

February 17, 2008

Tom was a great friend. We did not get to see much of each other; however, we hung out with each others family when we could. His wife Cindy is doing OK, but what can you expect. Me and my family will continue to support Cindy and her two children.

We love you TOM!!!!!

Police Officer Chris Mutert
Friend and fellow cop, different dept.

February 16, 2008

I'm an African American who live in San Diego, CA, and I have seen photos of policeman killed in the line of duty,but looking at the photos of officer Tom Ballman and Sergeant William Biggs just touch my heart deeply. Just by looking at thier photos, they both look liked great men , and I would liked to tell the kids of these two great policeman that your dad were brave men and will always be remember as great men, may God be with them and the family of these two great police officers.

Bruce Cherry
San Diego, CA

Bruce
None

February 16, 2008

Hey Marine! Rest in Peace. You will be missed more than you know. Words escape me here, as it had always been easy to talk to you.

I will miss you my friend, my fellow Officer, and mostly my fellow MARINE.

Semper Fi Devil Dog, I know Chesty has already had you stand watch at the gates of Heaven.

Your friend,
Will-

Ptn. William M Haskell #270
Kirkwood Police Dept.

February 16, 2008

Ballman Family,
My heart hurts for you right now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy, take good care of those two beautiful children. They are your husbands legacy.

February 16, 2008

Tom and I were in the Academy together 3-98. Tom will be missed but not forgotten. May he rest in peace and may God watch over his family now and forever.
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers ... For he who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother." I will miss you my brother.
To Tom and Sgt. Biggs, Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patn. Roy T. Holland 30
Edmundson Police Department

February 16, 2008

As a Kirkwood resident and fellow Police Officer in a neighboring city, I would like to send condolences to your family, friends, and the entire Kirkwood Police Department. Thank you for your service and making the ultimate sacrifice. Please continue to watch over us who continue to fight and keep us safe. We will never forget and your legacy will continue. Rest in Peace Sir!!!!

DSN 210

February 16, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to you all. Another Hero taken too soon. God Bless.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

February 15, 2008

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

February 15, 2008

Thank you Officer Ballman for your service to the people of Missouri. I offer my sincere condolences to your family and the Kirkwood Police Department.

CIVILIAN
LAPD

February 15, 2008

My darling Tom: I am heartbroken for what has happened to you, my son. I always knew there was this possibility but I prayed to God that I would never receive "the phone call." You have always been a wonderful son and brother to your sisters. A wonderful caring man who deeply loved his wife and children. How will we all continue without you around us? How can we ever have another holiday without you with us?
I pray that you are safely in heaven in the arms of your Lord and know that I miss you so much each day.
As a Mother I am crushed that I had to bury my only son. This pain must get easier.
Tom just know that your kindness, sweet nature and knowledge will be missed everyday of my life.

Your Mother

Sue Carol Miller
Mother

February 15, 2008

Tom,

We shared a lot of laughs and walked too may miles together. Brother, you once asked while we climbed a hill far to steep if there was an easier way to make a buck? I don't know, but the paths we chose will see us sitting around the fire some day. Save me a seat.

I never knew how big of a man you are, until held your hand for the last time. I was too macho to say it out loud but I loved you my friend. Yours is a light that cannot ever be replaced.

Semper Fi,
Rusten Currie
CPT US Army

CPT Rusten Currie
US Army

February 14, 2008

Tom,
I only met you briefly in passing, but I knew you were a good guy. You'd have to be to put up with looking at Jim's mug every day.

I was in your office and saw all the pictures of your kids. It was obvious you loved them as much as you were loved in the department, and as much as you loved your job, the love has been returned a thousand-fold the last few days.

Rest in Peace, Tommy.

Brian
Kirkwood Cop Kids

February 14, 2008

Officer Ballman, you have left behind many who knew, respected and loved you. Godspeed.

vicki jiles
US Bank

February 14, 2008

To Officer Tom Ballman and his entire family and friends including the Kirkwood Police Department:

I send condolences for your tragic loss and please know your passing stirred the hearts of many many people. Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing you, I know you were a kind and gentle soul who gave his all to his family, community and his country being a U.S. Marine. I found one of the postings you had left on your former Sgt. memorial page, Sgt. William McEntee, who also was killed in a vicious and senseless cowardly act. The words you left were heart wrenching of how you truly missed this man. Your closing words in that reflection on 1-08-06 tore me apart,

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers... For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother."

Who could have imagined you would be lost in the same manner along with Sgt. Biggs?

You served well and will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace dear son, May God craddly you in His loving arms.

Sent with utmost respect,

Sgt. Brandon J. Sullivan - Retired
Detroit Police Department

February 14, 2008

Officer Ballman -

You are a true hero and your sacrafice will never be forgotten. Your dedication to your explorer post is one to be admired. God Bless You and your family. Rest in Peace.

Donna Bussiculo - Advisor
Jackson Township Police Department Explorer Post #168

February 14, 2008

To Cindi Ballman & Family,
Are hearts and prayers are with you, words cant explain how we feel. We will all be there for each other now and in the future. Tom and Bill died heros and will never be forgotten. 2/7/08 is a day that non of us will ever forget, we love you and if you need us we will be there.

cody biggs and family
famly of Sargent Biggs

February 14, 2008

Each time this happens to one of my brothers, it gets harder to understand. Officer Ballman put on that uniform to protect and serve his community. He did it with a smile and with integrity. His presence in the Kirkwood community will be sorely missed. God speed Tom. Your memory will live on with your family, fellow officers and past deeds.

Police Officer Kathy Kelly
St Louis County Police Dept

February 13, 2008

Your children are beautiful, and your wife so strong. I hope they will have their teddies to hold every night and never forget the hero their dad was. Rest in peace. And I hate _____ people too, we all have those days. Watch over your fellow officers, keep them safe!

Future daughter-in-law of a Kirkwood Dispatcher

February 13, 2008

Tom,

I too had the honor of attending your memorial service and I am still at a loss of words.

You would have been proud of the St. Louis Area Explorer Association. Just about every post had kids in attendence at the visitation and memorial service to honor you memory and comitment to the program.

Ptn. Greg Garrett #263
Washington Mo Police Department

February 13, 2008

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND KIRKWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF POLICE OFFCICER TOM BALLMAN. I PRAY EVERYONE WHO KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT.

POLICE OFFICER TOM BALLMAN YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROME HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY SHERIFF JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

February 13, 2008

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Ballman -- The sacrifice you made for your community will never be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Ballman -- To lose two heroes at once has got to be devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs Police Protective Association

February 13, 2008