Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tom Ballman will always hold such a high place of honor in my family's heart and memory. Our sons went to daycare together for several years, and played in tee ball and soccer together. As a single mother, I was thrilled to know that Tom took my son under his watchful eye during practices, as well as made sure to play with my 8 year old autistic daughter. Both my children looked up to Tom and were happy to have him play with and coach them. Tom would often stand in the baseball field in between his son and my son, and cheer just as loudly for my son when he was up at bat. When Tom helped coach YMCA soccer, he would stand behind the net while my son played goalie. My daughter would love to run after the soccer balls that Tom would kick high in the air just for her. My son thinks "Coach Tom" is the coolest and wants to be a police officer when he grows up, just like Coach Tom. My prayers and thoughts are with Cindy and her children. Tom, may your soul rest in peace, and know that your kindness to others will never be forgotten. My family will never forget you. I promise that we will make sure that your family is cared for and safe.

Christine Culligan
Friend of Tom and Cindy Ballman

February 11, 2008

my heart goes out to officer ballman's family during this time. it's hard not to question why things happen, especially when tragedy strikes in a place you would think to be safe - my prayer for you is that you will choose not to ask, but instead, to honor his life and service with every breath you take and every word that comes out of your mouth, and to trust that all things DO happen for a reason, even when they make no sense at all.

know that officers and their families all over the country are praying for you during this time.

peace to you,

carla h. lyon, widow, asst. chief deputy keith lyon, knoxville, tn. end of watch 05.09.06

February 11, 2008

I did not get a chance to get to know you as well as some of the other Explorers did, but in the two years that I've been an Explorer, I have come to learn alot from you, either at the St. Louis Area Explorer Academy, or at training events for the National Conference in 2006. I thank you for all that you taught me.

May You Rest In Peace

Kyle Bashaw
St. Louis County Police Department Explorer Post 9773

February 11, 2008

Tom,
You will be greatly missed. I've been at the police department assisting them with answering phones and I realized what an inspiration you are to so many of the Explorers. It sounds as if no one will be able to fill your shoes, but I'm sure plenty will try. I know that your Explorers will learn a great deal from this tragic event and become even stronger. Many Explorers are having a hard time but we will help them get through this, don't you worry. So with that, grab a chair by Mac, Sarge, and Tommy, and keep a close eye on everyone.

Sarah
Past Dispatcher

February 11, 2008

My prayers are with the family of Officer Ballman. As our Captain for the police academy class, he was the strength and driving force to ensure that everyone gave their full love for the job. His smile, laugh and love of life, made the academy so memorable. I will never forget you Tom. May God grace your family with the strength to stand, today and always.

Deanna Viper
Friend

February 11, 2008

God bless you and your family at your tragic and senseless loss. You, your family and the other victim's are in our prayers.

DE
St. Louis City Police

February 11, 2008

The Passion

Ring….ring.
The secretary answers the phone.
“Gods’ office, this is Helen, how can I help you?”
“Helen, this is St Peter. Tell the boss there’s another police officer at the gates.”
“Oh no, not another one……I’ll tell him.”

Ring….ring.
“Pearly Gates, St. Peter speaking.”
“Pete,” God said, “Please ask the police officer to see me right away.”
“Yes sir.”

“Is this one special sir?” Helen asks.

God looked at Helen and solemnly said:
“No…..no more than any of the others. But as a group, my police officers are one of my proudest creations. They are the only thing standing between the beautiful world I created and its’ total destruction at the hands of Satan. Yet I cannot give them special powers to protect themselves or others. They must stand alone as human beings, be judged as human beings, and die as human beings. To give them special powers would separate them from others and they would no longer be human.”

Then God looked at Helen again, shaking his head, “And that is what amazes even me. I created them as mere humans, like all the rest. Where did this passion for humanity come from?”


“When he arrives please send him in, and clear the rest of my afternoon. We’ll need some time together.”


Rest in peace brother. And may Gods love comfort your friends loved ones left behind.

Special Agent Kevin Morris
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 11, 2008

Tom,

Now what ... how do we handle you not being here. You strutting down the hallway. Our personal little combat between a former marine and former army drill sgt. I walked in your office today and realized that soon your posters will be gone, as you are. Once again God has dealt us a blow that will be very difficult for us to overcome. The mountain he has us climbing just got a little bit higher.
As you reach your final resting place, stand shoulder to shoulder with Mac and Bill. Look over those of us that have been left behind and protect us in our daily lives. Stand proud Marine, and rest with God in peace.

Lt. Cliff Pope
Kirkwood Police Department

February 11, 2008

Tom, The entire town of Kirkwood will greatly miss you. You were a great officer who made us all feel safe. We pray for you and your family. I know that you are safe in Heaven. I also feel safe that "Cookie" is not in heaven so you will never have to see him again! God Bless You.

David Slane, Neighborhood Block Captain
Friend, Kirkwood Resident

February 11, 2008

We are still reeling here in Los Angeles, but as one who once lived in Misouri, I would like to extend my sincere condolence to the Family and friends of the Kirkwood Police Department.

I could easily type that Lucifer was having fun wreaking havoc nationwide, on 02/07/2008. Rather I will type that God requested that his Honor Guard be supplemented.

May You Rest - In - Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

February 11, 2008

God Speed my fellow brother, my thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and your department. You can rest now. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer M King
Heavener Police Department

February 11, 2008

It has been 17 years since I last talked to Tom. As a testament to the lasting influence he had to all of us lucky enough to have him in our lives, I'm writing this message of condolence to his family. I met him in 1990 at Northeast Missouri State U. As a freshmen he was the first upper classman to really extend a helping hand and a big smile. It was that friendship that influenced my becoming a fraternal brother of his in Phi Lambda Chi as well as following his lead in my own life to help others in any way that I could.

I remember Tom as a true mentor, and genuine man among men!

It is my hope, now having children of my own, that these words as well as all of the other reflections that have been left about Tom will be a help to his children now and over the rest of their lives and allow them to always remember just how great a MAN he was beyond being their father and a husband. Two roles that I'm certain that he was exceptional at as well!

Tom....you will be missed!

Ken Herrmann
former college friend and fraternity brother

February 11, 2008

Tom was my Field Training Officer at St. Charles County DOC. He was a great Officer and Friend. I am proud to have known this man. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace dear friend, you will not be forgotten.

Andy Paulus
St. Charles County Department of Corrections

February 11, 2008

Tom Ballman was my freind and fellow law enforcement officer. Sgt. William Biggs was my former supervisor. Good natured officers, human beings of great stature, and men of courage who carried a will and a determination to serve the community we live in. The world has lost two of the city's finest. My prayers and love go out to the families of these fine officers. True heroes who fought evil and helped those who could not help themselves. God rest thier souls and give the other Kirkwood Officers the strength and the will to go on. You know in your heart that's what Ballman and Biggs would want you to do.

We will never quit!

God bless the Kirkwood Police Department, it's officers and thier families.

Former Kirkwood Police Officer
Thomas F. Seymour Jr.

Ret. Police Officer Tom Seymour
SLMPD / Kirkwood PD

February 11, 2008

"Tommy" and his family were a part of my dad's church when we lived in St. Louis 30 years ago. I remember hanging around the neighborhood with him, and I have an unusual way of remembering him every time I look in the mirror. He was "practicing" karate on me one day, and he accidently cut my upper left cheek in a couple of places. :) The small cuts eventually disappeared but were replaced by two moles that formed in the very same places.

We moved away when I was 8 (Tommy would have been 6), and I've thought of Tommy from time to time over the years, and my parents just informed me last night of this terrible happening. My prayers and condolences are with Tom's family, and I give my respects for his life as an officer.

Joel Brueseke
Childhood friend

February 11, 2008

I had the honor to know this great man personally and work side-by-side through many Explorer functions and trainings. He is a great person, Officer and Friend. You will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Eric Dobelmann
Washington MO Police

February 11, 2008

Please accept the condolences from your brother officers.

I am sure he was a fine officer.

Captain Michael Becker
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Flint Michigan

February 11, 2008

May God bless you and your family.

Wife of a Police Officer
St. Louis

February 11, 2008

God bless you for the job that you did. May you rest in peace.

Deputy Doug Sullivan
Fresno County Sheriff's Dept. (CA)

February 11, 2008

Sir,

Obviously you were a great asset to your department, valued within the community, and most importantly a great person...I did not know you personally but these things are easily discernible after reading the reflections left for and about you. We as a Law Enforcement Community pray for you and all of your Loved Ones as we prepare to mourn and at the same time, celebrate your life, and what you stood for. These next several days are going to be difficult for everyone as we say goodbye to all of those victimized that fateful night...Police Officers and civilians alike. Kirkwood is a great Community and suffers immensely at this time, but it will heal...It will never be the same and it will be a lesser place, without you, Sarge, and all of those taken away from us in this senseless event. Godspeed...We pray for you and your Family. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

Police Officer
Ellisville, Missouri Police Department

February 11, 2008

My prayers are with your family, thank you for your sacrifice.

February 11, 2008

my thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you.

wife of an officer

February 11, 2008

My heart and prayers go out to Tom's family, friends, and colleagues. I attended an instructor class with Tom. Although it was only a week, it was easy to like him. He was funny, energetic, excited about his chosen profession, had an infectious smile, and just made you want to listen to him. This is a terrible loss for all of us. Know that he will never be forgotten in the minds and hearts of many people.

Officer Mike Lewark
Clay County Park Rangers

February 11, 2008

Officer Ballman, thank you for your service and dedication. Watch over your family as they begin this long, dark journey without you. Watch over your brothers and sisters in uniform as well. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

February 11, 2008

God Bless the family, friends and co-workers of Police Officer Tom Ballman. You and your brother officer define the term "The Thin Blue Line" that made your community a safer place. Be safe brother, thank you for what you do.

Officer David Creamer
Boston College Police Department

February 11, 2008