Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are in my prayers Tom.

Retired Det. Lt. Jerome O'Keefe DSN #34
Kirkwood Police Dept. Retired

December 5, 2008

To Tom and All The Ballman Family,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers this Thanksgiving day. I know he will be with you all and always will be....I am sure you have nothing but wonderful memories that I hope will give you comfort on this day and the days to come. Thinking of you all - Love Jayne McEntee

Jayne McEntee

November 26, 2008

You received the Medal of Valor this week. What an honor to be a part of that ceremony. I'm so proud of you and all of the officers at Kirkwood. I'm preparing for what has become our Annual Ballman Bash the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The tree is up and your son, at 6, was able to put the train under the tree. I, as always, could not figure it out but Josh insisted that he knew how to do and proved to me that he is your son. He said, "Daddy taught me" and he was so proud that he was able to set up the train and get it running with no issues. The tree is beautiful but it lacks your finishing touch. Love you and miss you dearly.

Lulu
Wife

November 24, 2008

By reading the reflections left for Tom, it is quite obvious that he was a dedicated Officer, who was cared for deeply. Let it be the responsibility of everyone who knew him and those who read these reflections to make sure that he did not die in vain. I feel that we owe it to him, and the many other officers who were taken prematurely to take the extra step to be careful, to suspect everyone and to not only watch our backs, but of those of other Officers. Also, we should count on Tom and rest of the heroes to watch over us and know that they were heroes, who paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep the rest of us a little safer. rest in peace brother and say "hey" to J.A.M. 05/25/2006 for me.......

Brother in Blue
DHPD MI

November 6, 2008

As you know I joined a club that no one wants to join. The dues are just too high: you must have lost a son or a daughter in the line of duty. Wow. Those are high dues!
I flew to Little Rock today to go to the C.O.P.S. Parents Retreat for the weekend. I hope you were watching to see the love and kindness that all the 166 people gave me. Everyone of us walks the same path in the same shoes with the same hurts. The 3 days brought so much pain and so much relief by crying with everyone. It was so draining but I will be there again next year. We received a flag box made by the Fathers of Fallen Officers and a scrap book made by the Mothers of Fallen Officers (from past years.) Such kindness I have never experienced. I went alone and only knew Karen when I arrived but when I left I felt I knew the majority of the people there. I showed your picture and wore your memorial tees as did every other parent there.
Tom as usual I miss you tremendously every day I live and I know that will never change.
Peace be with you honey and know that I think of you constantly.

I love you so much.

Mom

Mother of Tom Ballman
Kirkwood, Mo

November 4, 2008

Tom:
Saw on the internet the sad news of another lost officer in the St. Louis area. Amy mentioned you the other day as we were playing Trivial Pursuit and we knew few of the questions on movies and she said you would know all of them. We feel so fortunate to have spent part of Thanksgiving weekend last year with you and your wonderful family.

Roger C.
Friend

November 4, 2008

We lost another good officer last night. I'm praying for our world and wondering how someone's life can be taken so tragically for no reason what so ever. Peace be with all of us and all the men in Blue!

Lulu, Wife

November 1, 2008

Tom, I met your mother today. She is a sweet lady and misses you so much as I do my son. My deepest Sympathy goes out to your wife and children also. As a mother I can relate to your Mothers pain. I have great compassion for her. May God give them all strength.

Mother of Deputy Altman EOW 01-30-07

Deputy Altman's Mother

November 1, 2008

My love - what would have been our 9th anniversary has passed. It was a hard day for me but I know that you were with me. Your baby girl is getting so big - she is 4 now as you know and celebrated a wonderful birthday at Build-a-Bear. She told her teacher that she is so lucky because she has two daddies. One is in heaven and one is with her. She is referring to your oldest and dearest friend as I'm sure you are aware. I don't know what I would do without Mike and Cindy and I'm so glad that your friends welcomed me into their hearts so openly. Again, it speaks volumes to your character. I will stand beside the guys and support them in every endeavor - you know that as well. I love you, miss you, the kids miss you and we think and talk about you often. Dona Nobis Pacem!

Lulu
Wife

October 28, 2008

Tom,
I just got done sending a reflection to my brother Bill. I hope you, Mac and Bill are taking care of each other and all of our loved ones that are there with you. I think of you often and my heart goes out to your wife Cindy, your children and your family. I know the sadness that they endure every day. I feel comforted to know that the three of you are there together and are watching over us down here. I have enjoyed getting to know your family but only wish it wasn't under these circumstances. I feel like I've gotten to know you through them. I believe I met you when we brought our YMCA campers to the station shortly after Mac was killed. I believe it was you that gave us a great tour and answered the many questions our campers had. Take care of each other up there and one day in the future we will join you in celebration. Thanks always for your service.

Kathryn Biggs Hoberg
Sgt. Bill Biggs' Sister

Kathryn Biggs Hoberg
Sister of Sgt. Bill Biggs

October 18, 2008

Well today is your 38th birthday honey. You are probably the only one who knows how much I miss you.
This morning I released my mylar birthday balloons from my Wed. birthday and sent them to you. I hope you "got" them.
The birthday party you have today is probably wonderful in the new life. I hope you received many presents and if I had an address I would have sent a birthday card to you.
Tommy you will always be my little boy in this life and the next. You were such a special person to all who knew you. How many people have their best friends from age 2 yr? You do.
As you know, I think of you all the time and know that God has taken you in his care and you now have a perfect life.
I love you darling.
Mom

Sue Miller
Mother of Tom Ballman

September 29, 2008

To the family and friends of Officer Tom Ballman and the members of the Kirkwood Police Dept.

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Tom was tragically killed. I know that your department must be deeply affected by the loss of two dedicated officers to such a senseless and horrific crime.

To Tom's family, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in the Bay Area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous.

When the killers of each fallen officer murders our loved ones, it has a devastating impact on all who loved and cared for them. When I read Tom's mother reflection about the call that forever changed her life, I understood as I know the anquish of losing your beloved child. No matter how old that child is or what a responsible job they have, they are still our babies. I pray for your solace and am glad you found a grief group for parents.

I hope all of the family has found the safe haven and comfort of your COPS chapter. In reading the loving and admiring reflections, I can see that Tom was an amazing man, and is being deeply mourned by all who call him beloved and friend.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Tom gave to his community and the citizens of Missoui, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 7, 2008.

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

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 26, 2008

Well Tommy,

Not much to really say... beyond I am sad. Much time has passed, and it seems that "things" have gone back to the way they were... you know, life.... busy, not much time to keep up. I am sorry for that, but know that you would have it no other way.

I miss knowing that there is one less person in my life that I can call no matter what, no matter when, or no matter how much time has passed since the last time we spoke.

Thank you for thanksgiving last year.... You were a true star-light pontificator in my life... not many could hang with me, but you always did.... Even with different lives, distant space and vast amounts of time without contact, we always came back to the core of life and the key principals of a life lived well... philosophy 101 so to speak.

I miss your wisdom my friend.

My best to you and the gracious life you lived and gave to us all.

M

Michael Horst
friend

September 13, 2008

Tom,
Thank you for all the inspiration you gave me to enter this, the noblest of professions. I thank god everyday for allowing me to meet you. I also thank you everyday for giving me the strength and knowledge that helped me pursue this profession and finally become a cop. You truly are a wonderful man and I know you're singing for God everyday. Thank you Tom!
~Erich

P.P.O. Erich vonNida

September 11, 2008

So Tom,

Today was on of those "I hate ******" kind of days, and I just couldn't help but think of you. I hope you're wife and kids are well, I know you're watching over them. Did you like their teddy bears? I never did ask.

It's still hard to believe. Ryan Hummert joined you up there not long ago. It's sad really, you guys were just doing your job and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's one of those things, you just wish it never had to happen.

Future Medic

September 3, 2008

It's Labor Day, 2008. The kids and I spent a nice weekend at the Lake with Lisa, Chuck, Chris, Jenni and the kids. The last time we were all there together was last Labor Day. What a beautiful weekend!
Gamme passed away today and I know that she is finally content and happy to be with ALL of her boys. I'm sure that you, your dad and your grandpa were all there waiting with open arms. We love you and miss you. Hugs and Kisses from me and the kids.

Lulu
Wife of Ofc.Tom Ballman

September 1, 2008

Tommy:

I found a "Parents who are Grieving" group here in Snyder. I am going to go to it next Thurs. night. I just acidentally found it on the TV. I tried ministers, drs, nurses and no one knew of any group for parents.

I will let you know how it turns out. Of course you will know when I do. Go with me please!

I love you so much and miss you so much everyday.

Mom

Surviving Mother of Officer Tom Ballman
Mother

August 28, 2008

hi tom,
i was out with my friends tonight being "good" college kids i swear no drinking at all, but it is sunday. we were having some deep conversation and we were talking about funerals and i thought of yours and how amazing such a horrible event could be. The love and respect in the air still brings me goosebumps when i think about it. so thats really all i just wanted to stop in and say that you are loved and missed. may god keep you, cindy and the kids close at his side.

Tori Mikes

August 25, 2008

hey tom i just want you to know i am thinking about you...i hope you like my artwork be good pal all love all the time...tell my dad i said hello and if you have time help him with his golf game

joey longi
freind

August 24, 2008

Rest easy, brother. We have the watch now.

Blessed be the peace keepers, for they shall be called children of God.
Mathew 5:9

Deputy J. Perkins
Taney County Sheriff's Dept., MO.

August 15, 2008

Josh is starting 1st grade this week. The family calendar hangs on the kitchen wall commemorating Josh's first day of Kindergarten. I remember the two of us following him to his classroom and I had to hide the tears. This year is going to be difficult for me but I'll try and remember that you are always by my side and ever present with your children. Josh lost another tooth - this one on top and in the front. Should make for another good photo this year. I wish so much for peace in this world and yet I can only think that our peace will not come until it is time to join Him and you in heaven. I love you and miss you!

Lulu, Wife

August 9, 2008

To Thomas Frederick " Underwater Fish " Ballman

Well today isn't a good day for me. First of all it is six months today since I received the life changing phone call telling me that you - my only son and baby - had been shot and killed. Nothing can ever describe that. Each month that passes makes me feel like I am leaving you further and further behind and it just crushes me. But last week I did see you and Bill and Mac when you visited Chucks boat late at night when I was sleeping on the boat. Just sitting in the galley and laughing. Who were the two children who were with you?

Please come for another visit so I can see you but since I did see you I assume you have passed transition.

I will love you forever honey. And now I do believe in the afterlife.

Love you, Mom

Sue Carol
Mother

August 7, 2008

Tom,

I heard they had a great ceremony to honor you at explorer conference! One year you're singing the national anthem, the next, they're honoring your sacfice! Your legacy still lives on my friend. Well, I graduate the academy in three months, can't wait. It's a good feeling knowin' your watching over us! We miss you Tom!

We Rise... We Fall... As One!

Michael
Fmr Exp.

August 4, 2008

They had a very nice tribute for you at the National Explorer Conference last week.

Thank You for all you have achieved and worked hard for. From all that I've heard, you are a great police officer, explorer advisor, husband, father, and friend.

God Bless
Thanks Again

Matt S
Explorer

July 28, 2008

Dona Nobis Pacem - We are in need right now. Love you.

Lulu

July 21, 2008