Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Callie’s,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 30, 2022

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 38 anniversary in heaven. Thank you for your service

Mark Mottola

March 30, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Callies.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2020

Tom, It was an honor to work with you at the co-op. Your quick humor and zest for life impressed me. Your love for your family was obvious.....and no one could make that little blue comet go, like you did! You made my world better. God Bless..........

Gregory Scott
friend

March 30, 2016

Hey grandpa,
This is your granddaughter and I just wante to say I love you and wish I could have met you. Have heard so many great things about you, I showed your picture to my daughter Aubree and she just smiled at the picture. I know you are up there watching over us and you would be proud of your family RIP grandpa

Lexy Callies
granddaughter

February 3, 2014

Hey grandpa,
This is your granddaughter and I just wante to say I love you and wish I could have met you. Have heard so many great things about you, I showed your picture to my daughter Aubree and she just smiled at the picture. I know you are up there watching over us and you would be proud of your family RIP grandpa

Lexy Callies
granddaughter

February 2, 2014

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 26, 2013

God Bless you; Sir.

Neal Trautman

January 15, 2013

I love you Dad, we miss you! take good care of Officer McCandless and Officer Armstrong! Show them the ropes up there!

Mary Banuat
Daughter

August 12, 2011

God Bless those who you have left behind.
We know you are in a better place now.
Two others from Rapid City are going to be joining you as you
all walk your heavenly beat.
You all have earned your reward in the heavens. R I P

Patrolman Robert Morgan
Sioux Falls Police Dept - Retired

August 9, 2011

Sgt. Callies,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

March 30, 2011

March is on its way. Brings back all the memories every year. We all love you and miss you so much.

Mary Callies Banuat
daughter

February 22, 2011

I am thinking of you always and with Father's Day coming, it makes me miss you more and really hate that day, it has never been the same. I love and miss you!

Mary Callies Banuat
Daughter

June 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace and healing for all those you loved and for those who remember and love you.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 30, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends as another year passes. May they know that you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 30, 2010

Dad,

As we remember you and all the other heros who have sacrificed your lives, know that you are in our hearts forever and that you are missed terribly with each passing day.

Mary
Daughter

May 15, 2009

I've been thinking of you all day, even though it's been 27 years, it seems like it was yesterday.
Love and Miss you very much...

Cheri
Sister

March 30, 2009

Tom,as this week comes to an end, you have another brother to walk the beat with you in heaven. I was very overhelmed when I had been ask if a story could be done about Law Officers killed in the Line of Duty. I did talk to Gary, Jackie, and Lori before I gave the consent. The journalist that did the first story this week, Joe Prostrollo, is the one main person that had covered your story from day one.The news media wanted people to know how this does effect our lives forever. I pray the Mechel's family will be strong and just take one day at a time. I know as time goes on, the pain that the Mechel's family are having, will somewhat diminish and that the memories that make us so proud, will live on forever.
I wish with all my heart that one day, Mary will contact me, I want to know her and my great niece and nephews.
I miss you and think about you every day.
Love you
Love you

Cheri
Sister

March 20, 2009

Dad, I am thinking of you always, Pacen would love to have known you, you would be proud of your grandsons. We all miss you so very much and the grandfather and father in law that my family has lost.

Mary
Daughter

February 19, 2009

Last Friday, March 28, 2008 I attended the graduation for my son-in-law at the SD Police Academy. While I sat and listened I couldn't help but to reflect on the fact that in just two days was the "End of Your Watch" back in 1982.
I seems like it was yesterday and miss you just as much. I hope and pray that Mike, along with every type of law enforcement will be safe as they serve our communities.
God Bless
Cheri

Cheri Callies
Sister

April 2, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 2008

"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.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

Uncle Tom, I too was very little when this tragedy happened, but I remember the day very clearly. You were a brave and honest man and I am very proud to call you my Uncle.

God Bless.
Christa

Christa Callies McDermott
Niece

January 23, 2008

I was young when you died, but it was a devastating moment for everyone. You were a loving and brave soul and I am proud to have called you uncle. You will never be forgotten!

Shelley Callies-Groce
Niece

January 20, 2008

12-29-07
Tom not only was my brother but he was my best friend, there is not one day that goes by that I don't think about him and miss him terrible. I have been to Pierre and visited the Memorial several times and I will be going again very soon. In March I will be attending my son-in-law's graduation from the SD Police Academy in Pierre.

Now I would like to share this poem that was written in Tom's rememberence shortly after his "End of Watch" March 30, 1982 by our sister-in-law Dana.

IN REMEMBERENCE OF
THOMAS L.CALLIES
WHO GAVE HIS LIFE SO OTHERS MAY LIVE IN PEACE

A poem needs to be written for Officer Tom Callies,
For he gave his life in the name of peace.
A life still young, it seems such a waste,
Because they say, a man acted in haste.

It happened one morning, March 30, 1982,
When officers Callies and Larsen answered a call to do what they could do.
A domestic quarrel, it was reported,
By the dispatcher on duty, for officers help, Miss Palmer resorted.

They arrived at the scene, to protect her from him,
But as they climbed the stairs the lights were dim.
Unknown to Tom the man waited with a knife,
Ready to take the officers life.

It happened so quickly that hideous crime,
Lord don't let this be a sign of the time.
If one man can take the life of another,
It's no wonder no one has trust in his fellow brother.

His brother was quoted to say,
"If Tom was to die, In The Line of Duty would be his way"
"Tom loved his work, and helping others"
Was the tearful statement of his mother's.
Family and friends all had to agree,
If one man did so much, in such a short life, it was he.

One thing that lingers in ones mind,
Is how brave they must be, the two children left behind.
But brave they'll be, the two of them,
And it's because of the love, they got from him.

What's so sad, is why must a man like Tom be taken away,
When one like that man, be allowed to stay.
It's only the Lord who knows what should be done,
But you see of the many lives touched, mine was but one.


As I close my reflection, I just want to say, God Bless, stay safe and also wish for World Peace to come in 2008.
Happy New Year
Cheri Callies

Cheri Callies
Sister

December 29, 2007