Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Thomas R. Dodge

Two Rivers Police Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Wednesday, September 10, 1975

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Thomas R. Dodge

I was 5 when my hometown of Two Rivers suffered this tragedy. I remember the funeral procession going down Washington Street and held my hand over my heart as his hearse passed.

Jeff

December 24, 2024

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 10, 2020

Rest in peace brother. You are forever in our hearts.

Frederick Haas, Detective retired
Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI.

September 10, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 4, 2013

RIP Hero, thank you for your service Sir. You were well liked and it sounds like a true professional. RIP Sir

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

April 12, 2012

I expected to strike out when I faced Tom Dodge for the first time at about age 12. Most of the kids never expected to ever get a hit off Tom Dodge, he was that good! I was one year younger than him and played quite a few baseball games, always against him, for 5 years or so. I can easily close my eyes an see that high leg kick he used, and throwing southpaw, I never saw where that ball came from! What I remember more is the time I got my first hit off him. After the game, I said to him, "I guess I got a lucky hit off you" He told me that he always was watching me, as he watched every batter, and expected that I would sometime get more that one hit off him.
He then said "what do you mean lucky?" "I feel lucky when I strike you out". I only got three hits against him in all the games we ever played. Tom just didn't have an ego, even as good as he was. I never met anyone, including
adults who showed that kind of "class". I never saw him after those days but I have got to believe that he brought that kind of "class" to his profession.

Glen A. Jacquart Ph.D.
I played baseball with Tom

October 14, 2010

"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

February 22, 2008

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

October 22, 2007

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching down over us.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

September 10, 2006

May you sleep safe with Our Lord.

September 10, 2006

Rest in peace brother
You're gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth Co SO

December 20, 2003

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.