Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Dad was the principal at the school in High Springs Tommy who shared my name always came when the school was broken into and was a great officer around town. He was always nice to me even when he was off duty and we would see him other places. He will always be missed and remembered by me.

Tommy Diedeman
Friend

October 28, 2022

It was a very sad and weakening day when I heard the news about Tommy. I worked with Tommy at High Springs Police Department. We had some good laughs. This is the worst nightmare you have to deal with being in law enforcement.
My husband and my son are career officers. I sent prayers that day and send them now. May God continue to be with you, protect and guide you.

PCO II Sabrina Ausgood
University of Florida Police Dept.

July 30, 2022

It is 2022 and my eyes still full with tears when I read the stories of my friend. You had so much to live for.

Rick Drew
KPD

June 12, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Bartholomew.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2020

RIP, True Hero, True Professional, True LEO.
Never EVER to be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

September 18, 2019

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 20, 2017

Kissimmee may be a tourist town where Amtrak travels through. Rest in peace Patrolman Bartholomew. Your integrity, bravery and heroism shall surely be remembered.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 18, 2017

As we close on the 33rd Anniversary of your leaving, I just want to say you have many friends who have not forgotten, Tom.

I hope you're Resting-In-Peace, my friend...see you again one day.

Commander Peter A. Simonson
Kissimmee Police Department

July 15, 2016

Domestics are always the most dangerous calls. I still think often of friends on my department who are gone; time makes no difference. I was promoted to Detective from Patrol the summer you lost your friend and I got to retire which not every officer does. Be Careful Out There.

Detective (ret) Christine Still
Madison, WI. Police Dept.

February 15, 2015

July 18th this year will mark 31 years since your passing. Many of us still miss you, Bart. Be well, my friend.

Commander Peter A. Simonson
Kissimmee Police Dept. (Retired)

July 10, 2014

1/10/2014. Today is your birthday Bart. I miss you and think of you often. I cherish the memories and good times we shared. I look forward to seeing you in heaven my friend,

Suzanne Rensberry
Former KPD Officer

January 11, 2014

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Patrolman Bartholomew.

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

July 18, 2013

Continue to rest in peace Patrolman Bartholomew, we will never forget the sacrifice that you made to protect us all. To your family left behind, my prayers are with you all.

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

July 18, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Bartholomew. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

Well, Bart - Today you and Doug got your Fallen Officer's Memorial Plaque dedicated outside the front entrance of the Kissimmee Police Department. Thanks to Rick Drew and a lot of individuals who contributed, it's there..finally. Just the two of you are on it for now - hopefully, Rick Dickson's name will be there too one day.

I hope and pray the remainder of the spaces stay blank forever.

Retired Division Commander Pete Simonso
Kissimmee Police Department

May 17, 2011

Tom, its taken awhile but we will finally have a memorial in your honor in front of the Kissimmee Police Dept. I still miss you after all these years.

Rick Drew
KPD

May 9, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th 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.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 18, 2010

This year marks the 26th year since you died in the line of duty. It also marks a landmark - MORE TIME has passed since your death than you were alive with us.

We miss you. You are not forgotten.

Pete Simonson, Commander
Anne Simonson, Police Officer
Greg Stephens, Sergeant
Jon Lane, K-9 Officer
John Barber, Officer
John Sutphin, Chief of Police
Judy Gaines (Taylor), Officer
Ren Taylor, Deputy Chief of Police
Keith Rex, Officer
L.J. Rice, Officer
Brady Stainback, Sergeant
Joanne Stainback, Records Division
Danny Lunsford, Crime Lab Tech.
Frank J. Ross, Chief of Police
Trish Hunt, Dispatch

Rest in Peace, Bart

Division Commander
Kissimmee Police Department (Retired)

July 18, 2009

Tommy,

Today is January 10th, you would be 51 years old today... Happy Birthday my friend, I still miss you after all these years

Reid Fulcher
Friend

January 10, 2009

I stopped your wife today and did not know about you my friend. I thought I'd let you know she is doing well and said she misses you every day. She told me to stay safe and thankyou for what we are doing out here. We have the watch now my brother. God bless you and your family.

Officer
A.P.D. Florida

August 30, 2008

I was thinking about you this morning, July 18th isn't far away, it has been so long, If Cathie is reading, I would love to get back in touch with you, I didn't know about Janice, Tommy, I miss you so much, at times it seems like you are not really gone, you were and always will be good old number 4, this has become my go to number in anything I do... rest my brother.. rest!

Reid
Friend

June 11, 2008

January 10Th of this year, WOW.. you would have turned 50, it is so hard to believe that you have been gone so long, I travel frequently, I won't be far from Logan Ohio soon, I want to go visit your resting place, you were and still will be, "Bart" to most.. to me you will always be "Tommy" I pray that your rest is peaceful.

Reid Fulcher
Friend

June 1, 2008

I have so many stories I would like to share with your daughter Katie about you Bart, I need to tell her what being your friend was like. It is strange that after all these years I still can't write to you without tears. I am in Miami Katie and I would love to tell you about your Dad. Please look me up, we will have a grand memorial in 2008 in Kissimmee

Detective Rick Drew
Partner and best Friend

October 9, 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., Columbia, SC

October 3, 2007

Bart:
Just another note from one of those from "back in the day" who still remember and will never, ever forget. We protected, we served and we did so gladly. If there is an anniversary service at KPD, I will be there.

Rich

Rich Conroy
KPD/SCPD

September 24, 2007