Officer Down Memorial Page

We Never Even Meet Before ...!!!RiP Uncle Tommy

Condarrus Thedford
My Uncle
September 8, 2010

My Father Clarence (Buster) Pitts was Tommy Thedford's partner while working at Bessemer Police Tommy was the Best. I have lost several friends to this line of work and My Father tried keeping me from doing this as I am having the fight with my Son..... Miss You Tommy and I remember how bad I felt when I heard the news, I would not see you anymore....

I spoke to a little boy age three
who asked a lot of questions of me.
The boy asked "why do you wear a gun?"
"If only I could answer that one."

The boy asked
"what is that long stick for?"
Again, I replied same as the last one ...
"If only I could answer that one Son."

The boy then asked
"Is chasing bad guys fun?"
I then replied
"No but, it must be done."

The boy then tapped my badge as I knelt
and looking into his eyes my heart began to melt.

He said "Daddy, when I get big I want a badge like that one
and a car with lights that goes woo-woo!"
I said "that's wonderful son!"...and thought
"My son, if only you knew".


Sgt Pitts
Springfield Police Department
Springfield Florida

Sgt Dennis Pitts
Friend
November 8, 2008

My Father Clarence (Buster) Pitts was Tommy Thedford's partner while working at Bessemer Police Tommy was the Best. I have lost several friends to this line of work and My Father tried keeping me from doing this as I am having the fight with my Son..... Miss You Tommy and I remember how bad I felt when I heard the news, I would not see you anymore....

I spoke to a little boy age three
who asked a lot of questions of me.
The boy asked "why do you wear a gun?"
"If only I could answer that one."

The boy asked
"what is that long stick for?"
Again, I replied same as the last one ...
"If only I could answer that one Son."

The boy then asked
"Is chasing bad guys fun?"
I then replied
"No but, it must be done."

The boy then tapped my badge as I knelt
and looking into his eyes my heart began to melt.

He said "Daddy, when I get big I want a badge like that one
and a car with lights that goes woo-woo!"
I said "that's wonderful son!"...and thought
"My son, if only you knew".


Sgt Pitts
Springfield Police Department
Springfield Florida

Sgt Dennis Pitts
Friend
November 8, 2008

You are remmebered today and thank yo Sir for your service.
this writer hopes that justice was served appropriately and quickly on your behalf.

Pat Van Den Berghe
October 13, 2007

I salute you, Sir, on the 26th Anniversary of your brutal and tragic murder. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing that you will FOREVER be a hero and will NEVER be forgotten!

DET SGT, Retired
AR
October 1, 2007

"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.
July 11, 2007

I grew up living next door to Tommy and his wife. I had just moved shortly before he was killed. I will say Tommy was a fine man and loved police work. He made the ultimate sacrifice and for that I am grateful

Rest in Peace, Tommy

F Jacks
Friend
April 9, 2007

Always remembered.....A salute to your sacrifice.

Police Officer
Chesterfield County Police Dept., VA
February 15, 2007

GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.

ANNONYMOUS
December 26, 2006

Rest in Peace, Officer Thedford. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169
September 25, 2006

No Officer who gave his life should be without reflection. "For those who pledge to up hold it, freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know."

Anonymous
January 2, 2004