Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I have been a USPO for the last 19 years. I have long been familiar with the circumstance that led to your sacrifice. I like many before me has visited the national memorial of LEO to purposely find your name engraved in honor. Your life and sacrifice will always remain a part of our federal probation system. Your service and sacrifice continues to contribute toward change that incudes safety training. You will always be remembered by your fellow officers. May your sacrifice continue to contribute to changes and safety of others who are devoted to justice. May you rest in peace and may your family always feel your presence.

Dave
U.S. Probation Officer

September 14, 2024

We, the Law Enforcement community, consider you a hero. May your family find solace in knowing that you’re resting in peace. You did your job, your shift is over.

Office (Retired)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

August 2, 2023

Thank you for your service sir. I was somewhat familiar with your story somewhat since the early 90s. I came across a rerun of Real Stories of The Highway Patrol. The offender was truly a disturbed individual. Thank you for protecting this world from such people.

Michael Roberts
Former Officer.

December 8, 2020

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

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

September 22, 2020

I just want to thank Mr. Gahl for making the ultimate sacrifice. I learned of him in my Blue Courage training thru San Diego County Probation. Only a few are called to this profession, but many appreciate the chosen. Rest easy in Heaven surrounded by God and angels.

Joe White (Supervisor)
San Diego County Probation

January 9, 2019

I "grew up" with Tom in Valparaiso, Indiana. We played baseball, basketball and football together in junior and senior high. i was with the US INS as a Criminal Investigator out of Hammond and on "Detail" in Indianapolis in 1980 when i realized Tom was also in the building. We got together for coffee every day I was there to talk about and remember our days in Valpo. He did everything right and was a true American Hero. He was "The Real Deal".

Supervisory Special Agent Anti Smuggling
U.S. Border PAtrol Miami , Florida (retired)

May 8, 2017

Remembering you today. Thirty years later.

Michael Dressler
FBI (retired)

September 23, 2016

Thank you for your service, and hopefully paving the way for greater safety for probation and parole officers.

Probation and Parole Officer Joe Wheeler
Missouri Department Of Corrections Board Of Probation and Parole

December 6, 2013

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

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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 diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

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

September 22, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 22, 2012

I learned about Officer Gahl's tragic story in a training conference for Probation Parole Officers in West Virginia. May God Bless your family and thank you for your service.

You are remembered.

Aaron Linn Probation Parole Officer III
West Virginia Division of Corrections Parole Services

September 16, 2012

I started as a U.S. Probation Officer in the Southern District of Indiana (Indianapolis) in 1983 and was a co-worker of Tom’s until I transferred to Arizona in 1985. It is true what they say. Tom was a great person; a real gentleman and a very good USPO. Also, Tom was very nice to me (the new guy).

Additionally, I truly believe part of Tom’s legacy was the recognition that Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Officers deserved a proper safety program. It didn’t happen overnight and the journey continues, but officers do now have the benefit of training and tools that Tom didn’t 25 years ago on this date.

I remember you, Tom.

David C. Jones
Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer
District of Arizona

David C. Jones
U.S. Probation Office - District of Arizona

September 22, 2011

PO Gahl,
Something made me turn to this website today. It is hard to believe that 24 years have passed since I responded to your crime scene. The madness of that day has never left me. I will always be humbled by your courage and the sense of duty that showed that morning.

I hope that your family is well. Godspeed.

Michael Dressler
FBI (retired)

September 22, 2010

USPO Thomas Gahl,

I am currently going through OSI certification training and I can truly say, all the blood, sweat, and tears have been worth every bit of it. May God's guardian angels continue to watch over your family.

Forever greatful,
USPO Katrice Galloway
SD/TX Houston Division

US Probation Officer Katrice Galloway
Houston Division-Drug Treatment Officer

June 13, 2010

Thomas,
Thank you for your service to the federal probation department and your sacrifice you made. May you never be forgotten.

Chief Deputy Probation Officer Cory Walk
Jennings County Indiana Superior Probation Department

March 8, 2010

Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.

POLICE OFFICER
Georgia

December 28, 2009

I just saw a program about on Discovery ID.
I thank God for men like you.

Anonymous

October 11, 2008

Thinking of you during Police Week. A time while all of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice should be given a prayer of thanks for their service.

Rest in peace my friend!

Kenneth Sales
U.S. Probation Officer

May 16, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 18, 2008

I had the pleasure to meet Officer Gahl's son, Christopher.
How proud this man would be of his son. His son is such an incredible, nice person. Although, Officer's Gahl's life was cut short, he left behind a wonderful family to carry on his legacy. Officer Gahl's memory will go on and his friends, family and community will not forget what a great loss this man is to our society.

Linda Schwier

February 6, 2007

On this, the 20th anniversary of your murder, My family and I salute you for all that you were and all that you stood for. I hope that you family has found peace and know that we all still mourn alongside them.

Christopher M. Hess
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Adult Probation

September 22, 2006

Twenty years have passed since your tragic death but you are not forgotten. Your death has motivated me as a trainer to be the best trainer I can for the safety of my colleges. You will always be remembered.

Britt Ashby, Sr. Probation & Parole Officer
Idaho Department of Correction
Community Corrections Division

Britt Ashby Sr. Probation/Parole Officer
Idaho Department of Correction

September 22, 2006

You are ture hero and heroes never die. Thank you for your dedication and bravery always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 10, 2006

I'm proud of you, Dad, and know that you have helped countless other officers through your sacrifice . . . just as you would have done if alive by assisting others.

Son

July 10, 2006