Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Officer 11169
January 24, 2012

although you and i never met i still feel a sense of loss, i am proud to say that i am descended from someone who devoted them self to a greater good. i wonder what kind of person you were like and i wonder if you would be proud of the family you left behind... all of us have made mistakes some bigger than other but i still wonder what you would think how you would feel and if you and i would get along. i guess those questions will remain unanswered.
RIP Officer Dietzman.
~G.D.

Anonymous
July 9, 2010

Patrolman Dietzman - I'm so sorry to read that you and your son had lost contact prior to your death - such is a common tale among police families.

Thanks for your service to both the people of Aurora and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly chambers, last Friday, when your name was read off during a resolution regarding the upcoming Peace Officer's memorial week. You, and the almost 250 others, are not forgotten.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)
April 26, 2010

Rest in peace sir you are never forgotten God Bless Thank you for your service

Explorer
Explorer/Son of Aurora Police officer
December 4, 2008

Patrolman Dietzman,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Aurora. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
August 16, 2008

Hello. My name is Steve (Stephen) Dietzman. I am Thomas's son. After he and my mom split up we lost touch and I honestly didn't get to know my father all too well. I was only 12 when he died. If anyone checks this site who knew him personally, I would love to speak with you.

I do know that all he always wanted to be a Police Officer and he lettered at the U of A on the ROTC squad on the rifle team. He was an outdoors man and had many trophies from shooting competitions. Thank you for visiting this site and thank you to those who run this. Most of all, thank you to all who serve and to the families that support them.

God Bless,

Steve

Steve Dietzman
son
May 29, 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 9, 2007

Officer Dietzman, it has been 21 years ago since you left us, but you are not forgotten. God Bless you for all the goodness you did here, to make this a better place.

Police Sergeant
North Carolina
September 21, 2006

I best remember your bravery and professionalism and the way you laughed and shrugged off the frustrating times on the job. I think of you often and wish there were more officers like you in these days of uncertainty; but, then, I guess that could never be, for they broke the mold when they made you. Rest in peace. Until we meet again, Tom.

Cris Melendez
Friend
May 14, 2006

I best remember your bravery and professionalism and the way you laughed and shrugged off the frustrating times on the job. I think of you often and wish there were more officers like you in these days of uncertainty; but, then, I guess that could never be, for they broke the mold when they made you. Rest in peace. Until we meet again, Tom.

Cris Melendez
Friend
May 14, 2006

Rest In Peace Patrolman Dietzman. Terribly sad incident. I will pray for your family.

New York State Police
February 17, 2006

Dear family of Thomas Dietzman,
My name is Taylor Youngblood, I am 13 and live in North Carolina. I just want to say, thank you for his sacrifice. My step father was killed in the line of duty one year ago in april. And I know how much it hurts, and what you guys are going through. I'm praying for you.


Sincerely,
Taylor Youngblood

Taylor Youngblood
step son of fallen officer
November 12, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005

Most unfortunate ... rest easy officer dietzman

Anonymous
November 6, 2003