Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Knew Tom from when we lived and worked in Madison. I still remember.

Amy R, former PO

May 15, 2024

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 20, 2018

What a kind, funny, talented, brave and wonderful friend you were. Your story will always be told and remembered, Tom, as will your smile and great big bear hugs! I think of and pray for you daily, and will never, ever forget you.

Friend Tracy Walker

August 11, 2016

Thinking of you today Tom

LS

January 24, 2016

I knew you for a short time, but the impression you made on me will last a lifetime... you were kind, understanding officer.

I have since moved inside, but will never forget your sacrifice

SKG #36365
LCP

September 7, 2015

Thinking of you today, how can four years have gone by already?

LS

January 24, 2015

Rest in peace sir. You will never be forgotten.

G. Birkholz
mother of Officer Craig Birkholz, E.O.W. 3/20/11

January 12, 2015

Tom you were a fantastic young man. The unfairness of you leaving us will never be forgotten, and serve to keep us humble, gracious, thankful and vigilant. The rest of us get a warm holiday, you a cold grave. The unfairness.

Grant Manhart DM
Wisconsin band with Tom

December 17, 2014

Thanks for everything Tom. Wish you could be here today to see the influence you've had over the years...

Dep JM

November 27, 2014

Remembering our friend Tom's sacrifice from Middleton WI.

MAH

March 27, 2014

Thinking of you today, remembering you always

LS

January 24, 2014

It's hard to believe it's been two years already, but you will never be forgotten!

LS

January 24, 2013

We will never forget... Continue to rest in peace Sergeant Baitinger.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

January 24, 2013

Thinking of the survivng family of Sergeant Baitinger. Know a hero will never be forgotten. Thank you Sergeant Baitinger for your courage, service and dedication. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

G. Birkholz
mother of fallen Officer Craig Birkholz

January 20, 2013

Today, on what would have been your 50th birthday, your bravery and sacrifice are remembered. May you continue to rest in peace Sgt.

LS

August 28, 2012

Miss you Uncle Tommy.

My Brother and Dad just met President Obama at your memorial in Washington, thought you'd think that is neat.

We love you so much, see you sometime soon.

JP

May 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Baitinger. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

A Hero you were Sgt. RIP now Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 13, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect, and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever, I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 25, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. My prayers are with Mrs. Baitinger today, may God be with you and guide you through these troubling times. Continue to rest in peace Sgt. Baitinger.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

January 24, 2012

It was during the funeral for our Fallen Officers at Miami-Dade that we learned of this terrible tragedy. Please rest assured that yours and Officer Yaslowitz heroism will serve to steel the resolve of your brethren officers for years to come. May God bless your family and the members of the St. Petersburg Police Depaartment.

Police Officer (Retired) Gregory Kral
Miami-Dade Police Dept. FL

December 28, 2011

May you rest in peace, Sir! We have your watch from here. You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

March 29, 2011

2008-01-24


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"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.


Thank You for your service .... RIP

Jimmy
Younger Brother of OD Det. John T Young

March 17, 2011

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Baitinger. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Tom, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Tom's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Tom's life was about so much more than the way he died. Tom will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Baitinger, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

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

March 9, 2011

My sympathys to Family and fellow officers. Rest In Peace.

Christina Brookhart
Mother of Deputy Don McCutcheon

March 6, 2011