Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a 22 year old Customs Special Agent, I remember learning a lot from Tommy while working with him on Key Biscayne. His kind but firm professionalism was evident in every interaction that I observed him have with the public. Thank you for keeping me safe Tommy. I hope that my son and you meet in Heaven.

Peter S. Ostrovsky, HSI (Ret.)
Gold Star Father of USMC LCpl Jack-Ryan Ostrovsky
Bend, Oregon USA

July 11, 2024

Remebering Tommy Leis for his bravery and commitment to duty. He was a good friend and role model for myself and many others who worked with him over the years.

RIP Tommy.

Special Agent Thomas Trotto
USCS

April 23, 2024

Lt. Leis, you are not forgotten. You were a highly respected sergeant when I first met you in 1984 in Central District. As a rookie officer I witnessed your cool calmness and your sense of fairness and justice during difficult times. Please know, you made MDPD a better place to work and your dedication to duty inspired many officers (including me) throughout our careers. Rest in peace sir.

Det. Luis Rodríguez
Miami Dade Police Department ( MDPD)

February 14, 2023

Rest in peace Lt.Leis. Sadly, today your department is burying one of its officers killed last week. He was 29 and engaged to be married how sad!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2022

Rest in peace Lt. Leis. Today I visited your grave in section 9. A brave, honorable and most heroic man!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2022

Rest in peace Lt. Leis. I have spoken with an Officer named Keith DiGenova who was there in Gladeview in Liberty City where Officer Cook was killed he too was shot and survived brain injuries. I wonder if he would remember you. The next time we speak I will ask him.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 27, 2022

Lt. Leis, perhaps you knew Officer William C. Cook, an officer of the highest esteem who worked out of the Central Division where you were a sergeant. He was killed in the line of duty on May 16, 1979 and was as brave and honorable as you. You are both in heaven sharing old moments. Rest in peace Lt. Leis. Bravery and humility were your best partners.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2017

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

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

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Tom was a great man and a truly great police officer. He was a Sergeant in Metro-Dade's Central District and I had the pleasure of working on the same platoon on the relief squad. He was one of those guys that you knew you could count on when things got tough and I have fond memories of working with him. He was tenacious.

Although I didn't work on his squad, Tom took the time to write me up for an award in 1986, after I arrested a subject in the process of raping a woman at knife point in a car (the second victim he'd abducted, the first was still in the back of my patrol car) . It was late in Tom's shift and, of course, he was one of the first one's there after the arrest. Tom went above and beyond to make sure that I was commended for this action. That was just who he was.

We also share a love for cars and I remember fondly us exchanging vehicles during our after hours visits and admiring his hot rod Camaro. We spent hours talking about cars and all things fast.

I was very sad to hear of Tom's death. I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Tom. He gave his life being the hero he was. RIP, my friend.

D/F/Lt. Thomas P. Riley
Michigan State Police (1987-2012), Metro-Dade Police (1982-1987)

April 29, 2016

Thank you to every single person who has written on this page for my father. He passed when I was only 3 years old and it means so much to read how many lives he has touched. I love hearing stories about him and his beautiful smile. Thank you. I love you Daddy... you will always be my hero.

Jamie J. Leis
Daughter

November 2, 2015

Continue to rest in peace Lt. Leis, we will never forget....

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

April 29, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 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 aolace for all that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 29, 2012

I saw his name designated to a street in Miami, thought if he was important enough to give him a street the least I could do was look up and find out who he was. As close to the anniversery as it happens to be I want to offer my condolences to the family and thank him for his service.
Rest in peace.

civilian
None

April 22, 2012

Rest in Peace, Lieutenant Leis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

Just today I thought of you again and invoked your name in order to alert others of the dangers that took you from us. May you rest in peace and know that we are forever grateful for the way you represented us.

Sgt. A. Falcon
Former SRT Team mate

October 15, 2011

Rest in peace Lt. Leis, your courage will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2011

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 on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 29, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 29, 2008

I don't know you and will never will. But Thank you for your service it's remembered still. Some people call Police jokes, pigs or scum but they don't realize the courage, hardwork and dedication it takes to serve the citizens of Miami Dade County, FL

I thank you and appreciate your dedication, courage, bravory and for the most part your life...That was taken from you one bad night. May your soul rest in piece and may your wife and daughter find comfront, please and closure.

Thank you for your hard work and making an effort to get up every morning to make Miami Dade County, FL a saver place.


David A.

ALONSO
MDPD TO BE

March 12, 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

December 14, 2007

Dearest Daddy,
I love you. Always have always will. You are an amazing person and thank you for all you gave to mom and me. Love you, Jamie J.

Jamie Leis
Daughter

June 26, 2007

Tommy,
I remember your kind welcoming smile as I walking into the Miami FHP station one day to inquire about employment. You were a gentleman, and the epitome of what I expected a State Trooper to be. I will always appreciate your guidance, and kindness that day. You left FHP to further your police career, and became an officer with metro-dade police department where you excelled achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
We were all saddened to learn of your tragic passing. You are gone, but will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Brother,
Big Bill

Sgt. Bill Bertrand
FHP - West Palm Beach, FL

March 19, 2007

Lt. Leis

Gone however never forgotten..Thank you for your service. Rest in peace sir..

Kathy Baltierra
Riverside County Sheriffs dispatch

June 19, 2006

Lieutenant Leis after all of these years you are still remembered as a hero! God bless you sir.

Ofcr. Dan Winger
LBCCPD, Ret.

March 13, 2005