Officer Tommy Richard Gober Jr. DeKalb County Police Department Georgia Saturday, June 28, 1980  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

As your anniversary draws near, I hope you will watch over us all

Anonymous

2009-06-26

Tommy was a great guy. He always made everyone laugh. His death is a great loss.

Judy Mitchell Foster
friend from High school
2009-05-13

Through the years, everytime I pass the Police Memorial in the square in Decatur, I read Tommy's name. I've never forgotten him.

Anonymous

2009-01-24

I never knew this page was out there, but I am glad I ran across it. Tommy was my cousin, we grew up next door to each other. He was alot older of course but I truly looked up to him. I was always proud to claim Tommy as my family especially when he became the security officer at Tower's. He never let me get away with much, everytime he caught me on the "catwalk" he would run me back inside!
Once he became a polie officer he would take me for a ride in his police car and I thought it was the coolest thing ever!
As time passed so did the distance, he married Lynn and they were expecting. I was never able to meet his child which I am sure is just like him. He was a special person in so many lives.
I will always miss Tommy, and miss his dad "big Tommy" & his brothers Ted & Tim. All of you are in my thoughts today some 28 years later.
I love you all

Pam Wright (Street)

Pam Wright
Cousin
2009-01-10

Your Titan friends will always remember....

2008-06-29

Thinking of you today Tommy on your anniversary.
Watch over all of us and know you are still in our hearts and prayers.

2008-06-28

To Tommy's Family , no one can take away the lonliness and hurt of loosing a Loved one especially for givng his LIFE on the line... My sister Becky Godfrey and Eddie Godfrey worked with Tommy and others for Dekalb County for a long time and I have great respect for ALL COunty's of Officers , State Patrol. Fire Dept . and Marshalls.. He is in God's Hands today serving OUR Father God. We came very close to loosing Eddie Godfey who was burned over 70 % of his body and I don't know how we could have not survived with the love the force showed for him. If I can repay or do anything to help your family please let me know and I will. GOD BLESS AMERICA Deborah Cox and William Cox

Deborah Freeman Cox
THS class of 1972
2008-06-27

After the 2 officer's from DeKalb were killed last Jan. 18th. I just happened onto this page. I remember Tommy from my childhood and teen years. Tommy was an awesome guy. He was a good friend. My daughter graduates the academy in June. She too has a dream of becoming one of Dekalb's Finest. I was proud of Tommy becoming a Dekalb County officer and I am proud and excited that my daughter (Corey) will be an officer soon. There has always been a special place in my heart for anyone that is willing to put their lives on the line in order to protect other's. Tommy, God Bless you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayer's. Thank you Tommy for giving the ultimate.

Janet Reisenwitz
Peachcrest Elem./Towers High friend
2008-03-30

MERRY CHRISTMAS TOMMY

2007-12-24

Crysta... I have just come upon this site... I hope you still check it. I am your cousin! My dad is Tommy's brother Ted. I have a an older brother Thomas (after Tommy!). I would love to meet you someday! I have wondered about you for a long time. Maybe I'll ask my dad if he knows a way to contact you?

Samantha
Neice
2007-12-13

"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
2007-10-08

I was in the 8th grade when I met Tommy. He was the security guard at Towers at the time. He was totally awsome. I was what they called a "subby" at the time. My locker was right outside of the principle's office .It was right before homeroom was to begin. My arms were full books. All of the sudden I was almost knocked to the floor when some senior came flying by me and Tommy was on his heels. I found out later that the guy that he was chasing was selling drugs. Tommy caught him out behind the school on the bleachers of the baseball field. Tommy was really great guy!! Then he got a job as a DEKALB POLICEMAN" . I he seemed to be living the dream he'd always had. I remember the night he had went home to our Lord.I was the girlfriend of one his fellow officers brother. I her name was Reba Thomas. She was there when Tommy lost his life.I still to this day feel the sorrow of losing such a great great soul, and should or could I say great inspiration to all mankind.

Tracy Yvette McClung
Friend graduate of 1982
2007-09-29

Crysta,

Tommy was a good friend of mine in high school and later years. He was such a sweet, kind person with a wonderful sense of humor, beautiful smile and contagious laugh ! He always talked of wanting to be in law enforcement, so I wasn't surprised when he went to work for DeKalb (and DeKalb had a fine, nationwide reputation at the time!!) Just saw this site, and wanted you to know that I thought your Dad was a great guy and I was glad to have had him for a friend! May God Bless You throughout your life.

Jan
Old friend
2007-09-23

I was a friend and fellow Titan of Tommy Gober, Class of 1974.I was a rookie firefighter with Dekalb County Fire Dept. in 1980. I had run into Tommy at South Dekalb Mall shortly before his untimely death. I still remember like it was yesterday when I heard the news that he had been killed in the line of duty.It still does not make sense to me, how sometimes the most tragic, the most terrible things happen to the best of people.What better memorial could be said that a man lay down his life not only for what he believes in, but for his fellow man.Rest easy Tommy,we will see you again some day. You are not forgotten.

kevin l. rose
fellow titan
2007-08-06

Crysta,
Please know that your father was a friend in high school. He was a gentle, kind, and thoughtful... and later, someone to look up to as an officer for DeKalb County. He will always be remembered in a referent way by his fellow classmates. Tommy was a hero. Be proud of him and know he loved life. His life was cut way too short.

An old Titan Friend

2007-07-02

Tommy,
28 years have come and gone, but you still live on in so many people's lives. Those who knew you well and those who have heard the stories made of legend. i never knew you, but you were very close to someone I love dearly and I have heard contless stories about you, your sense of humor and of your dedication to your profession, I have heard you referred to as "a policeman's policeman". No higher sentiment.
On your anniversary I hope you continue to look down on us all and be our Guardian Angel In Blue.
Rest well

friend

2007-06-28

Your Dad was a good man indeed, and he had a really funny sense of humor. Life is short at best, and his was cut shorter than most, but he was doing what he loved. He will never be forgotten in my book.

Mike Witcher

Friend
2007-06-27

My neighbor and myself were pulling onto I-20 westbound at Wesley Chapel Road that June night. Tommy was behind us and pulled us over as he recognized me from school We were standing on the side of I-20 when the call came in about the man dressed in women's clothing in the neighborhood. Rick Roseberry got the call and Tommy then said "Let me go help out my buddy". He said he would come by our neighborhood the next day and check out our pool. Of course, he never did. Ironically enough, my husband at the time worked for DeKalb EMS and responded to the call. He called me later that evening and asked me did I know an officer by the name of Tommy Gober. I told him yes, that I had seen him just a few hours before. My husband then said, well, he was shot and killed. It was like someone hit me in the stomach. Tommy was a very special person that was called by God all too early in his life. To be a police officer is one of the most honored jobs to have and he was a very honorable man. My best to his family.
Judy

Judy Yeager Newman
Towers High friend
2007-06-26

I think of you as someone who had made life safer for all, who left behind a family and friends who will always have you in their hearts. I did not know you but we are "Fellow Titans". May God Bless your family and I know you are watching over them.

Angel hugs,
Pam

Pam McMillen
Attended same high school
2007-06-26

Crysta,
Your Dad would have been proud of you. He still lives in your heart. Look in the mirror and see yourself through his eyes. You carry his spirit in your soul and every breath you take he smiles.
One day you will see him.

A Friend

2007-06-19

I am sitting here wondering how my life would be different if my Dad were alive. If he and I would have had the same sense of humor or the same laugh? I also have wondered what people thought about him, if he really was a good man and a good friend? I can tell from the comments ya'll have left, that he was a man of good character and someone I would have been proud to call my Dad.

Crysta
daughter
2007-06-18

Even after 27 years, you have never been forgotten and your memory surfaces several times a year for me. Your friends from the 70's at Towers High School still remember you and hold your memories close at heart. You were in my homeroom at Towers High School for several years and you will never be forgotten. Bless you, your family, and your loved ones.

Karen Griffin Dean
(THS Class of 73/74)
http://towershighschool.com

Karen Griffin Dean
OLD, really old friend from Towers High School
2007-06-16

You will always be remembered.

Signed,
An old high school friend

An old high school friend

2007-06-15

I don't remember Tommy except through the stories from my dad. I know he meant so much to so many people. I was very young when Tommy entered the gates of Heaven but I wrote an essay for school that year and included this poem (author unknown to me). With all of the recent shootings, this still stands firm today...

A Part of America Died


Somebody killed a policeman today
and a part of America died.
a piece of our country he swore to protect
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids
and spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield too
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, and gave us his all,
and a part of America died.

daughter of Office Rick Roseberry
2007-04-27

The statement that Tommy was shot and killed during a burglary is so short and to the point. It was more than that. A GOOD MAN lost his life that night and died saving another's. Time may diminish it down to a few words , but we know the caliber of the man that was Knocking on Heaven's Door the night Jesus opened it and welcomed him in.
Rest well Tommy...we will never forget and you will always be a part of us

anonymous

2007-03-03