Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant Kelly, it has been 34 years since you were taken from us. New Hampshire law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

September 18, 2023

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 17, 2020

Sgt. Kelly,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Derry. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 17, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Kelly.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 22, 2019

When we could smell raisin toast in the police station we always knew Sgt Tom Kelly in the building.

He will always be remembered and missed.

Officer Bob Napoli
Derry Police (retired)

May 17, 2016

Tom, we were comrades and attended In-Service training at the Academy together. Thank you for your service and unselfish sacrifice for your fellow man! You belong to HIM now and forever! May your family and friends find comfort and peace in that fact. God Bless!

Rev. Steven R. Closs, D.D.
Retired Captain, Nashua Police Department, Nashua, NH

June 9, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 24, 2013

To the family and friends of Sgt. Thomas Kelly and his fellow officers in the Derry Police Departmeent

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor Thomas' memory on the twenty-first anniversary of the day Thomas so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer Kelly gave to his community and the citizens of New Hampshire, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1989.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 18, 2010

To: Sgt. Thomas C. Kelly and Family,

Just recently, the Board of Directors of the Major Alister C. McGregor Memorial Fund and the McGregor Family had the pleasure of awarding a scholarship to Laura. We are pleased that she chose to attend Al's alma mater. Al was a range officer and SWAT Commander. He would be pleased, also, to see that Laura received the scholarship from his Endowment.

I am writing in hopes that Laura occassional visits here. Last evening, Al's wife, Brooke, expressed an interest in meeting Laura. I did not want to impose or intrude in what I am sure is her busy schedule. I thought that if she happened upon this reflection, she might consider contacted our Department.

Tom, in closing, know that your sacrifice means so much to your brothers and sisters in law enforcement, who are, now, protected against reckless and dangerous practices on police ranges across the nation.

Sincerely and Respectfully,
W.H. Barlow

Capt. Walter Barlow (Retired)
East Providence Police Department

August 10, 2010

Sgt. Kelly, on this 19th anniversary of your tragic passing, I wish to thank you for your time and effort, not only as a Police Officer, but as a man who helped to instruct others. I've never done the job of Rangemaster but several of my colleagues do it and I know how tough a job it can be.

Thankfully, there are now more stringent rules regarding ranges. It's sad that many of these rules came to late to benefit you.

God Bless and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 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

December 11, 2007

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

September 25, 2007

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

September 17, 2007

Tom was the first person I met on the police department. He sat on my oral boards and was our instructor during our department training prior to the police academy. After that he was my street sergeant on the midnight shift. Tom became a good friend to me and I could always trust in him. He had the knack for calm in situations where others would over react. He would offer praise when due and critique without humiliation or ridicule. He was a true professional in every aspect of the job and his personal life.
Tom was a great friend and teacher and he is missed by me and so many others here who knew him.

Officer Jeffrey Pullen
Derry Police Department

March 3, 2006

Tommy was my first street sergeant when I came onto the job in 1984. He had the ability to make you think and took the time to lead you through the learing curve of a rookie cop. Through his years with the department as a street cop, supervisor, and training sergeant,Tommy was the go-to guy you always wanted around when anything significant was happening. Tommy had the respect of his superiors, subordinates, the people and the perps.
We took a big hit when we lost Tommy from our lives personally and professionally. I still miss his dry sense of humor and his mis-placed Brooklyn accent.


When the question comes up "am I doing the right thing?" I can ask myself "what would Tommy have done?" and know the what the right thing is.

Sergeant Daniel Peleltier
Derry NH Police Department

September 22, 2005

Tom was the first person I had contact with when I join the department in 82'. He was the a perfect spokesman for the PD. His dedication to both the department and law enforcement was unmatched by anyone else. He was committed to the idea that proper training was the backbone of how well a department's officers perform. He also was one of the best supervisors we ever had. He treated everyone with respect and in turn, everyone respected him. Those that knew him were lucky to have had the chance.

Lt. Barry Charewicz
Derry NH Police Department

August 3, 2005

Well, Brother, nobody who visites this page seems to want to leave a fitting reminder of your service to your community and your country. Fifteen years, or thereabouts, have passed since you left us. May you rest in peace knowing that those you served and those whom you touched will always remember you. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

Rest in Peace,
Christopher Gilyon
Police Officer
St. Louis County, MO Police Department.

Police Officer
St. Louis County Police Department

July 27, 2004