Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.... See More
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

.

PO
Detroit PD

January 25, 2011

REST IN PEACE, BROTHER THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE MARTY LALONDE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE

January 25, 2011

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor Officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

January 25, 2011

My family and I offer out deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Tom Ballinger. We extend condolences also to his friends, coworkers, and the entire community of St. Petersburg.

P. Martin

January 25, 2011

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for his friends" John 15:13 NIV. May God always bless and watch over Sgt. Baitinger's wife and family, and let us never forget the sacrifice he made to protect the innocent.

Detective
Tampa Police Department

January 25, 2011

Rest in peace, Sarge...I met you a few times in St Pete..and you were the consumate professional..a cops cop.

ex lpd

January 25, 2011

To the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Tom Baitinger: I send my heart felt condolences to you for the loss you have suffered. While these words won't ease your pain now, I acknowledge the bravery, the courage and the commitment to duty of your loved one. He will have a place of high honor in law enforcement. God Bless you in this most difficult time.

Sgt. Scott Bodah
Syracuse, New York Police Department

January 25, 2011

Sgt. Baitinger, your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

January 25, 2011

Even though you were miles away, we never met, and i am not in L.E, thoughts and wishes got to your families as they make therer plans, "give 'em hell" LEO's ,FR ,Amd military do not get the proper credits

FF/FR Michael Anderson
Former FR

January 25, 2011

Rest in Peace, Brother. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. Kevin Kratz
Buena Vista Twp Police Department (Michigan)

January 25, 2011

Tom, you were like the big brother I never had. You always supported me when I was down and always had a joke or story to make me laugh. Paige is your soulmate and we will take care of her, as you watch down on us from heaven. I will miss our s'mores around the fire pit and the way you always made time for the boys, especially during Michael's deployment last year. "Uncle Tom" - life will not be the same without your hearty laugh and beautiful smile. We were blessed to have you in our lives.

The Hosier Family

January 25, 2011

Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace and may God provide comfort for your loved ones.

April
Sister of Officer Shaw EOW 6/20/10

January 25, 2011

RIP Sgt Baitinger. You will be missed.

Brian Dobkin, Paramedic
Sunstar Paramedics

January 25, 2011

May the Lord be with your family and friends of Sergeant Baitinger today and always... Rest in Peace Sir...

Joyce
Sister of OFC. John P. Harris EOW 8/19/1994

January 25, 2011

May you and Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz rest in peace. I hope your family and agency is able to find peace in due time. You passed doing the lord's work, thank you, you are a true hero. We'll keep the fight from here. Enjoy patrol on the streets of heaven, I will see you up there one day.

Police Officer II Dan Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

January 25, 2011

For Sergeant Tom Baitinger:
and
Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz:

Our duty as law officers is fraught with risk and danger. No incident more than the one occurring this day illustrates the twists and the turns of fate more for all who enforce the law. To seek a felon carries with it every imaginable scenario ever practiced in training. None-the-less, each encounter with those who will kill is unique. Our brothers Tom and Jeff, along with others, faced the worst. And the worst occurred. Two officers lost their life, and another was wounded, for the sake of law and order. We regret that this day would have to be - for all of them. The entire national law-enforcement community is stricken numb, but we remain true to our pledge. Both now and forever.

We pray for Tom's and Jeff's family, friends, co-workers, and all who care about them. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.

As a retired state trooper and a Lake County (FL) deputy sheriff, I am proud to render them a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

January 25, 2011

God be with your family, and loved ones I pray. Rest easy my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is now over.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

January 25, 2011

You fought the good fight, rest in peace Brother. May God show his mercy and grace on your family, friends, and coworkers.

Det. John Creamer
Daytona Beach Police

January 25, 2011

Rest in peaace Brother Tom, you are a True Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.



Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Anonymous

January 25, 2011

There are no words right now to ease the pain in Mrs.Baitinger heart or his family left behind from this terrible act. I hope they will all remember that we will never forget their Husban,Son and the Hero that he is... My prayer is that our Lord comforts you all and see's you through this very sad time.

Rick DeBord Code Enforcement
City of Clearwater

January 25, 2011

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY

PATRICIA TORRES
DESOTO COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

January 25, 2011

Thankyou for your service, you are a hero for us all to look uo too. You will never be forgotten. God bless your family and co-workers during these tragic times.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

January 25, 2011

R I P Sir.

Kelly Brooks
Houston PD

January 25, 2011

Rest in peace brother...To Sergeant Tom Baitinger I render a final salute.

PO KJ JONES
North Greenbush, NY PD

January 25, 2011

Sergeant Baitinger,

Thank you for your years of dedicated service. You will not be forgotten! The rest of us men & women in law enforcement have the torch now. Rest in peace Sir.

Chief DeCotis
Bolton Police Department

January 25, 2011