Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was 17 years old when you gave your life to your community for others to live. Over the years I would think of you from time to time because I felt a special bond with you in that we share the same last name. All though we never met, I always felt in my heart you were my older brother. Continue to rest in peace, my brother and I hope your entire family are doing well, they all deserve it. Good Bless you!!!

GR
Admirer

March 6, 2024

Officer Ruotolo,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 14, 2024

Rest in peace , Brother. Thank you for your sacrifice and heroism.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD ( Retired)

February 17, 2023

Never Forget.

Rest In Peace.

Fidelis Ad Mortem.

Lieutenant Gregory W. Chupa
NYPD (Retired)

February 15, 2022

Continue to Rest In Peace Hero. We will never forget you or your sacrifice.

Retired P.O. Dawn Casale
NYPD

March 6, 2021

Rest In Peace officer. Just for doing your job. God bless you and all officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice your dedication will never be forgotten

Lt.A.Curatola 159 Retired
FDNY-EMSC

February 14, 2021

Rest in perpetual peace , brother. Today a video of that tragic occurrence was released by former NYPD J.P. Johnson, also from the 41 that showed what had happened on that fateful day. Portrayed by LEO'S and civilians to the actual events that, I can remember on that day when after hearing the radio message I responded to the hospital for the purpose of donating blood. But, it was too late. Our brother had passed away.
Killed by a parolee with a gun. Destroying a family in their hopes and dreams.
Now, 37 years later this city is on the verge of collapse by idiots enacting stupid laws by releasing the most incorrigible misfits that I have not heard of in a long time. Placing the citizens of the city in harms way. Everyday there is a shooting or stabbing where innocent people are being maimed or killed. All because of the inability to post bail or the virus. What is occurring now is taking me back to that fateful day when we lost our brother. Too many bad people with guns and knives and, no remorse. I pray everyday for our active brothers and sisters that they can safely end their tour and go home.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

February 14, 2021

Rest in perpetual peace , brother. Today a video of that tragic occurrence was released by former NYPD J.P. Johnson, also from the 41 that showed what had happened on that fateful day. Portrayed by LEO'S and civilians to the actual events that, I can remember on that day when after hearing the radio message I responded to the hospital for the purpose of donating blood. But, it was too late. Our brother had passed away.
Killed by a parolee with a gun. Destroying a family in their hopes and dreams.
Now, 37 years later this city is on the verge of collapse by idiots enacting stupid laws by releasing the most incorrigible misfits that I have not heard of in a long time. Placing the citizens of the city in harms way. Everyday there is a shooting or stabbing where innocent people are being maimed or killed. All because of the inability to post bail or the virus. What is occurring now is taking me back to that fateful day when we lost our brother. Too many bad people with guns and knives and, no remorse. I pray everyday for our active brothers and sisters that they can safely end their tour and go home.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

February 14, 2021

Rest in peace.

J.R.

February 16, 2020

Rest in Peace Warrior. Never Forgotten!!!

Raymond Winslow

May 14, 2019

My sweet cousin,
I’m hoping you saw how important you still are to so many at your street re-naming ceremony!! You have some wonderful friends-thanks to Joe Johnson, an idea sprung to life!!
Always missing you, our family hero!!
Love, cousin Karen

Karen Ruotolo
Cousin

March 23, 2019

Today I had the honor to witness the naming of the P.O. Thomas Ruotolo Street at the corner of Intervale and Southern Blvd., in the 41 precinct. Thanking Chief of Dept. T. Monahan and retired P.O. J.P. Johnson for their endless lobbying that this event finally came to be after 35 years. May brother Thomas always rest in peace, and that his loving family has some closure.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD

February 15, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Ruotolo. My dad worked out of the 102nd precinct where Det. Simonsen was accidently killed the other day.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 14, 2019

It was approximately 1840 hrs. on February 14, 1984 when NYC Police Officer Thomas Ruotolo of the 41st precinct was shot and killed by a wanted felon who just minutes earlier committed a gun point robbery of a moped. Officer Ruotolo found the felon in a gas station a few blocks away and without any warning whatsoever the felon pulled gun and fired 1 shot that killed Officer Ruotolo instantly.
35 years later on this February 14, 2019 the family of Tom Ruotolo, The NYPD and 41 Pct. will hold a memorial Mass in his honor at St. Athanasius Church 878 Tiffany St Bronx NY 10459.
After the memorial mass there will be a street renamed after Officer Ruotolo on Southern Boulevard between Intervale Avenue and Longwood Avenue.
Numerous active and retired offices of all ranks plus the press and dignitaries will be present to celebrate this long overdue honor for Officer Ruotolo’s sacrifice.
If you are in NYC this coming Valentine’s Day I ask you to show up to celebrate the memory, life and legacy of a heroic Police Officer who was shot and killed in cold blood for no reason whatsoever except for doing his job protecting the people of the 41Pct., The Bronx and all of New York City
You can call the 41 Pct. at (718) 542-4771 or the Community Affairs Officer at (718) 542-7964 for additional details and directions

https://nypost.com/2019/02/11/why-a-retired-nypd-cop-lobbied-to-rename-a-street-fort-apache/

Police Officer Joseph P. Johnson, Ret. NYPD

February 13, 2019

Rest in peace, Tommy!

Frank Greco, Retired Sgt
NYPD

September 30, 2018

You are so very missed, dear cousin. Over the last few years, I've met and /or have spoken to people that new you.....I knew you were a beloved friend, and, of course, family member. Please watch over us all!!!

Karen Ruotolo
1st cousin

February 14, 2018

Thinking of you now more than ever....praying to honor you even more. Love and miss you so very much.

Karen Ruotolo, cousin of slain officer Thomas P. Ruotolo (41 pct, Bronx, NY, 1984)

November 3, 2017

So many people love and miss you, Tommy. I hope I am honoring your memory.

Karen Ruotolo, cousin of slain officer Thomas P. Ruotolo (41 pct, Bronx, NY, 1984)

October 9, 2017

Tommy was a great guy to work with when I was a rookie in Fort Apache! I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing that day. He'll always remain alive in my heart!

Det Willie Grimball
Retired NYPD

August 24, 2017

I'll never forget hearing the radio transmissions that night. My partner and I were in an adjoining precinct on foot patrol. It was the first of many police funerals I would attend in my career. Rest In Peace.

Sgt Paul Faenza
Retired NYPD

February 14, 2017

Rest well my brother. You are in a better place, watching over your family and us. Heros are always revered.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

February 14, 2017

May God rest his soul and protect his family.

Sgt. Lawrence Millus
NYPD (Ret.)

February 15, 2016

This Sunday February 14th, 2016 is the 32nd anniversary of Tommy's senseless murder.
Tommy's murder is the subject of a new documentary focusing on Line of Duty deaths of Law Enforcement Officers nationwide.
Here is the YouTube trailer for the documentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaERYgC0EKA

Joe Johnson, Ret NYPD

February 13, 2016

Rest in peace Tommy.

Police Officer (retired)
NYPD

October 18, 2015

As I am reading all of the reflections posted here, I am finding g out what people thought of my cousin Tommy. Your kind words on how sweet, funny, and gentlemanly Tommy was to his fellow officers
Please,accept my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
God Bless you all, and be safe. ~~ K Ruotolo, cousin

Karen Ruotolo
1st cousin

May 19, 2015