Captain Thomas J. Albert Sr. New Orleans Police Department Louisiana Wednesday, February 21, 1979  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Dad, we lost you one week before my 8th birthday during a pivital time in New Orleans. The police were on stike and you were the commanding officer on duty for several days in a row. I was home with Mom when Father Rogers came to the door. I remember the morning. It was so hard to believe. Since then, you have always been present in my life, through repectful stories that other officers have shared through the years, through stories shared by Mom and my older brother and sister. Respect for you and the values that you and mom cherished has had an impact on decisions that I make. Your work ethic and family values were strong. I also remember your crazy sense of humor, Disney character impressions, and warm hugs. I'm thinking of you today on my 38th birthday and do still miss you very much. Thanks to you and Mom for working so hard to provide a positive family experience and childhood. I hope to do the same for your grandchildren.

Love always, your youngest & family

2009-02-27

On his first day working alone on his beat as a new officer, Thomas Albert received a message that there was an armed suspect on the run in the area. He remembered a bar in the area that was closed during the day and thought it would have been a good place to hide if he had been the guy on the run. In his youthful exuberance, Albert entered the darkened bar to test his theory without telling anyone where he was going. As his eyes adjusted to the dark he was surprised to find that he had not only found the suspect but that the man had a gun pointed at him. They were alone and no one knew where he was. Rather than draw his gun, Albert talked to the suspect and convinced him to lower his weapon. The calm with which he conducted himself that day defined his career, and the lessons he learned that day were among the many lessons he passed on in the following years as a desk sergeant, as an instructor at the police academy in New Orleans, as a district Captain, and as a family man.
+ If you put yourself in the suspects’ shoes you can find them.
+ Always tell someone where you are.
+ A calm, respectful voice can be as effective as a gun.
+ Never, ever look for a bad guy in a dark place without a flashlight.

It’s been thirty years since we lost this calm and wise protector, yet his children and grandchildren are still learning from his example – and missing him.

Bruce Cahill
family
2009-02-21

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-12

"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
2008-02-10

05/14/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Captain Albert.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-05-15

Oh Captain, my Captain. You were indeed my first Captain. Because of you and the example you set for us, we became decent, professional Police Officers. So many years have passed since I served under your command, and I still remember you as the very best role model a young Police Officer could possibly have. After all these years, I still serve as a Police Officer and you are still my role model. God bless you and your family. I will always remember you at the Mass. Rest in peace. Respects: Off. J.L. Bowden

Officer J.L. Bowden
Port Neches P.D. Texas
2004-04-15

Captain Albert you passed away the same year I began my Law Enforcement career. Even though the years have passed you are remembered. Thank you for your service and dedication.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police
2004-03-17

Captain Albert....thank you for your service & God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police
2004-03-12