Officer Down Memorial Page

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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 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
March 17, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, RIP as you were a Hero.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
March 17, 2012

Thomas,

It's said that "time heals a broken heart" but believe me that's not true. My heart will never heal from losing you in such a tragic, yet Honorable way. The only things that eases my pain are the memories of holding you in my arms the day you were born, the joys you brought to us as you matured, and how proud we were when you took your Oath to 'Protect and Serve'. That, Thomas, you did so well.

Alas, you were on loan to us but for a few days from the Lord Jesus. It was His decision to call you 10-7 here on earth, to your Heavenly rest in His arms, "Thou good and faithful servant".

Enjoy your rest Thomas. Give your Mother a big hug and kiss for me and, soon and very soon, we'll all gather at the river.

Uncle Lynn

Lynn Laster
Uncle
November 8, 2011

We are still fighting the good and just fight brother.

Andrew McGahey
Former JPD Investigator
March 17, 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
March 17, 2010

Thomas, I can't tell you or anyone how much I miss and think about, it doesn't feel right when I return home (Jackson), and you are not there. I keep expecting to see you. I miss your wonderful sense of humor.

I can't believe it's been 4 years. I am still in shock.

i know God makes no mistakes, I know you are in heaven performing your officer duties :0)

I love you & miss you so much cuz,
Save a seat for me.....
Renee Larry-Mcgill
Pittsburg,Ca.

renee larry-mcgill
family
March 24, 2009

Dear Patrolman Catchings, today marks another year without your smiling face. may you rest in peace knowing your work made the streets of Jackson safer

Godbless and thank you for your service

Anonymous
March 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
March 17, 2009

Thomas,

I have not written anything in your honor since you passed and I am sorry for that. I have thought of you and your family since you passed this life to the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ.You stuck your neck out for a citizen of the city of Jackson and you and your family paid the price. You would have done it again. I thought you were going to be OK when I spoke to you after this happened. When I heard you passed by dispatch I thought I was hearing things. You are a true hero and your children and wife should be proud and they are. Rest easy brother!!

Andrew McGahey
Former JPD Investigator
December 12, 2008

"Fallen but not forgotten" you are a hero that stand so tall.

Chief Deputy Stanley James
Jefferson Co. Sheriff Office Pine Bluff,AR
April 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
April 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Catchings on the anniversary of his passing. Heros are never forgotten.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia
March 17, 2008

...Never Forgetten...

Officer
Bay City MI
March 17, 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
November 29, 2007

Thomas: We really miss you. You left a mark on our hearts. I thank God for you being a part of our lives. You have always been a wonderful Godfather to Katavia. As you rest in peace I remember God's promise that someday we will all be together again. My Parents, Christa Bell and all of our families will reunite forever! PRAISE GOD!!!!! Job Well done! You have been a very FAITHFUL servant.Our Murrah family and Paul Quinn College family are still united by sweet memories.

Jamie Perkins-Moore
Extended family (Sister)
October 14, 2007

Catchings I was just getting to no you and my heart say that you are a great person. I have gotten a change to no your wife and children and see that they must reflect you.

Betty Spann
Evidence And Rec.Property
March 30, 2007

Thomas,
Today marks two years that we have had to endure the absence of your blooming personality. Although time is continually healing us (your family and friends). I still miss you just as much today as I did the first day you left us. I am constantly reminded of all of the great fun we use to have. Sometimes I still have the urge to pick up the phone and dial those "8's". Today will always be the day that we will celebrate your life and what it meant us. We know that you are looking out for us and all of your fellow law enforcement brothers and sisters. I know that you and CrystalBelle are having a good time and still managing to find time to look out for us. Continue the good work up there and cut them violators a break sometimes. We love ya.

Kim Harrison
Jackson Police Department
March 17, 2007

May your loved ones receive The Lord's comfort today and always.G-d Bless.

March 17, 2007

Rest in Peace Motorman. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.
March 17, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over all of them as they miss you each and every hour of every day. Happy St. Patrick's Day and thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
March 17, 2007

Its always hard to loose someone you Love and with the death of Thomas its even harder. When Thomas Catchings died Jackson Police Department didnt only loose a good Officer it lost a brother to all Officers. To those who dont know Thomas Catchings he had a personality that could brighten any room he entered. During my FTO training Thomas would meet with myself and my FTO every morning for breakfast or sometimes just a cup of coffee. Thomas always kept a smile on his face and never brung any problems he had outside of work to work with him, thats profesionalism. I know that life is short and I thank God for allowing me to become friends with a true hero known as Thomas Drumane Catchings, you will never be forgotten my JPD brother. From your Jackson Family

Officer Malcolm Macon
Jackson Police Department
November 22, 2006

PTN Catchings

I have read the tragady of your EOW. I am also a motorcycle patrolman. You sir are a true hero. You went beyond your duty to stop a criminal. I do not know you but feel that I should. Rest in peace my brother.


Russell J. Blanchard III, #84

Officer First Class Russell Blanchard
Gretna Police Department
November 6, 2006

Hey Brother I just wanted to say you are still riding with us everyday TC.

The Motorcycle Officer's Poem reads as follows:
It sounds like thunder far away, but the skies are blue and bright...
And soon they crest the hill nearby, and ride into our sight.
They shake the ground with powerful sound, and they make some hearts beat fast...
They look so proud and noble, like Knights come from the past.
Side by side, they always ride, and seem to move as one...
From early in the morning light, to the setting of the sun.
And children point and wave to them, from cars that pass them
And young ones ask their parents, why the men have mirrors for eyes.
They ride the roads, and fight for good, and defend small ones like you...
They ask to ride, and do with pride, and sometimes they are few.
Like men of steel, on Silver Wings, they sparkle in the light...
then with a roar and rumble; they ride out of our sight.
Sometimes when one has fallen, never to ride again...
You can hear the others calling, like thunder on the wind.
Side by side, they slowly ride, and their thunder is a mournful sound...
And the mirrors hide their eyes from us, when teardrops fall to ground.
So if you see one riding, and you look into his face...
You see your reflection in his eyes; you know that you are safe.
For motormen are a special breed, they love to ride the wind...
And when you hear the thunder boom, the fallen ones ride again.

Officer Lance Scott
Jackson Police Department
June 13, 2006

We will be in Washington with honor and respect to hear your name read.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

Linda Rittenhouse
May 4, 2006

Thomas' dynamic personality and brilliant smile is missed by all who knew and loved him!!

peggie nelson
March 24, 2006