Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Condolences to his family and his loved ones

Carson loveless

March 26, 2024

Tom and I met in 1983 when we went through Security Police Training and they called us to one of the movie theaters and I allowed Tom to cut in front of me as I was number 4 in line to interview to be k-9.

We found out that we both got selected as K-9 Instructors and Medina Air Base was our first assignment! Then after two years living in San Antonio was both got orders to the Philippines! After a year in half Tom got us duty assignment of Indiana since he was a Hoosier! I got SAC hdqrs in Offutt AFB Nebraska.

I then ran into Toms former kennel master Ken Lider! I can’t lie I cried as Tom was a dear friend and salt of the earth!

Prayers to his wife Susan and Toms parents and family!

God Bless All!

Allen Speed
Retired USAF Special Agent Superintendent
Retired Fort Worth Police Officer

Superintendent (MSgt)
USAF

February 12, 2022

Tom and I both were in district 2. We worked together on a couple short projects and roomed together for an annual training session.
He was the most straight forward, honest, and squared away guy I think I've known. I so much appreciate having known him.
I shudder at the thought of that awful day.
Rest in Heavenly Peace my Brother.

Master Officer, retired, Mark Johnston
IDNR, Enforcement Div.

October 17, 2019

Rest in peace Conservation Officer Deniston.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 16, 2019

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Cops Cycling for Survivors
www.copscycling4survivors.org

Monica Zahasky
Cops Cycling for Survivors

October 16, 2017

Rest in Peace brother....

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Sims
Matteson, Illinois Police Department

October 16, 2015

Rest in Peace, Conservation Officer Deniston. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 17, 2013

I had to box Tom in our recruit school in 1987. Tom was a strong, finely built young man and I stood in front of him "quaking" in my boots. I landed the first punch, but after that it was all him. He didn't let up for a second. Tom was quiet but very well spoken. I miss him and the great talents he possessed. I catch myself wondering what kind of difference he would have made to our Department if he were still here with us. I am certain it would have all beeen for the betterment of everyone because that is the kind of man he was.

Lt. Bill Browne
Indiana Conservation Officer

December 28, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 3, 2012

Tom, you are greatly missed, my friend. I have always cherished the great times we had together overseas and in Indiana during our military days. May you rest in peace.

Officer Craig Medon
Auburn Hills Police Department

November 2, 2011

Almost 20 years since you have passed and they still talk about you. Even the new guys on the IDNR force have atleast heard of you. Wish you were here but would never ask for someone to come back from Heaven. Miss you Uncle. Rest in peace.

Deputy William Deniston
Akron Police Dept.

January 28, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 16, 2009

Tom,

Never forgot the good times we had in the USAF...you were a good officer.

J. R. Price
USAF Police

April 25, 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

January 9, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 9, 2007

Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice CO Deniston. You will not be forgotten.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

April 30, 2007

CO Deniston....of the varying areas of law enforcement...I have always had the most admiration (and envy) for those of you in conservation/fish & game. Your work is important. Thank you for your service & God bless....from a fellow Hoosier.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

March 15, 2004