 | Police Officer Kimberly Sue Tonahill
San Diego Police Department
California
Friday, September 14, 1984 |
I just saw this story on an old recorded episode of Top Cops I have, my thoughts and prayers are with the survivors of this brutal attack. RIP brothers & sisters... Patrolman Rodney Owen
Eastern Missouri officer
2009-10-14
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I am sorry you were robbed of your life at such a young age. How your family must have suffered and I know you are still loved and mised by so many.
Rest In Peace
Phyllis Loya Anonymous
2009-09-16
I write as another sister's birthday approaches. Kimmy was murdered on the eve of this sister's birthday. There is so much to say after 25 years approach Kimmy's death. From her days in high school, to her graduation from the police academy, and her unforunate short life.
I and my sister Lisa will always cherish the memories of Kimmy.
To Kim's mother, we always think of you during this time. We wish you strength as another year passes.
To all officers, thank you for your service!
Best wishes,
John D. Anonymous
2009-09-12
Officer Tonahill, thank you for your service. Rest in peace. Michelle - wife of Retired LEO
2008-05-30
Officer Tonahill:
I thought of You today. I have shared the circumstances regarding Your murder and that of Your partner's, to hundreds of cops, over the years. The two of You were murdered as I awaited the next class to start at LAPD.
Tonight, one of my cop buddies is playing at an Irish pub, where he will have a drink in honor of You, Your partner, and Officer Maureen Murphy (Bonner Springs, Kansas)..... Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
2008-01-31
"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
2007-09-20
Even after over two decades, you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.
Bob Gordon Bob Gordon
Father of fallen Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-10-12
Officer Tonahill,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Diego. The piece of scum that murdered you and your partner never got to breath free air again.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
2005-09-14
I was stationed in San Diego during the time this incident occured and listened to the call's from both this officer and her partner on the scene. I remember it being near Balboa Park and was deeply saddened when I heard she had died followed by her partner two days later. My Grandfather Patrolman Frank Quinlivan (Schenectady NY) was shot and killed in the line of duty in September 1925 leaving a young family behind. I will never forget Kimberly's name or heriosm and those last words she transmitted over her radio that evening.
Sincerely,
Michael Quinlivan Michael E. Quinlivan
Civilian (Retired U S NAVY)
2005-06-15
The Citizen comes first in todays crowded communities. No Officer can truly value the burdens of leadership and service and thereafter with a clear conscience turn their back on those who would follow them. To respect that loyalty and unselfish commitment is mature; to strengthen it is to be a good Officer, to do more than your share under it is noble.
May God bless you and keep you,,, and bring you peace. We are all brothers and sisters in this world of turmoil and violence. Victor J. Slater, Operations Chief
Naval Boat Police, CNRSW
2005-06-15
God bless you and keep you always. You are a true hero to us all. DE
St. Louis City Police
2004-09-23
Kim, I miss you, I miss all the fun we had in the academy. J.T Faulkner Sgt
SDSO
2004-07-27
Kimberly Sue Tonahill you will not be forgotten thank you for watching over us. You are a BLUE ANGEL!!!!!!! Anonymous
2004-03-03
May God keep you forever in his arms...you are a hero to us all.
CPD
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