Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Thomas L. Hendrickson

Washington State Patrol, Washington

End of Watch Sunday, November 17, 1974

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Reflections for Trooper Thomas L. Hendrickson

Trooper Tom, years ago I was in Washington DC and was fortunate enough to visit the LE Memorial. I had remembered my dad (Mike WSP833) telling me about you. My dad said you and he were roommates in the academy. He never forgot about that tragic day you were lost. I brought my dad an etching of your name from the wall. My dad, who was not one to show a lot of emotion, was visibly choked up seeing your name. My dad has since passed, but I know he never forgot about you. Even though we never met, I have not forgotten the memories my dad shared about you. It was because of people like you and my father that I chose a career of service. Thank you Sir

Commander Cary Murphy
Federal Way Police Department

February 24, 2022

Semper Fi Trooper. You will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family

State Traffic Officer 7185 and United St
California Highway Patrol/San Jose area

November 17, 2019

Tom was two years older than me. I loved hanging out with him. He was the toughest and best at everything we did, but he was always gentle and fair. He didn't allow the neighborhood bully to abuse us little guys. He was by far the best of everything in our neighborhood. I heard he died from getting hit by a car while being a cop out west somewhere. Today is the first that I knew he was hit on purpose. Tom was a terriffic guy. What a waste. Thanks to the Lord Jesus for eternal life.

Gary L Hartley
Friend

March 29, 2010

I went to school with both of your sons. You would be so proud of the job your wife did with them. Mark is a wonderful young man. He was always so nice and respectful. Of course we are extremely proud of a local boy doing so well. It is just so sad that you did not live to see them grow up. RIP. "Come walk a beat on Heaven's Street. You already did your time in hell." Thank you for your service.

Anonymous

December 10, 2009

Tom;

Glad that we were in the same Cadet class together. God bless you for your sacrifice.

Pat Halliday
Former WSP Trooper & Cadet Class 46

August 17, 2009

You are remembered this day. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Washington State. You are a hero. May God bless you and your family.

Virginia LEO

June 13, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the month & year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Trooper Hendrickson.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 29, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

You'd be proud of Mark!

Go Dodgers!

August 8, 2007

Trooper Tom,

Your wife's ancestral family arrived in this country in 1743, and for the past 102 years descendants of immigrant Casper Glattfelder have gathered for a large reunion less than a mile from Barabara's home.

For almost all of those years the reunion attendees have paid tribute to members of the family who have died in the previous year or whose deaths in prior years became known to the family.

Today was the first time in 101 years that someone with a surname other than Glatfelter presided over the reunion program. And as President, I was privileged at long last to have your last full measure of devotion listed in the reunion program, and the story of that fateful night read to the attendees. My only regret is that this tribute was delayed nearly 33 years.

Chaplain Tom Shelley
Pennsylvania State Police

July 29, 2007

Trooper Hendrickson, thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

June 13, 2006

On the day before my birth, you paid the ultimate price. I can only try to live my life and be the officer you were, Couragous, respected and loved my many. Look over us all forever.

Detective
Shrewsbury, MA

May 14, 2005

Thank you for your service to your citizens.

February 3, 2005

I am a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles, and as I sit here tonight watching them play the Devil Rays, I see that the son of Trooper Hendrickson is the starting pitcher for the Devil Rays. The announcers mentioned the untimely death of Trooper Hendrickson, and I felt compelled to look him up. I am truly saddened to hear of how Trooper Hendrickson died and know he is watching over his son tonight as I am now watching him play the game. Thank you for your sacrifice, and know that we who now wear the badge will continue the fight. Rest In Peace, My Brother.

Officer W.A. Frederick
Va Beach Police Dept.

April 9, 2004

Trooper Tom:

I never met you. But in my teen years I was very close to your wife's family and spent many wonderful hours on the farm, in their company, and at their table.

The story of your sacrifice that they often repeated was certainly one of the major seeds planted to inspire God's call in me to serve those who serve and protect.

It was only today that I was able to meet your wife and brother-in-law, and learn that we share the same name. Until today I'd only known you as "Barb's husband."

Rest in peace, brother, and may you never be forgotten.

Chaplain Tom Shelley
Pennsylvania State Police

January 2, 2004

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