Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Detective Thomas Williams, his loved ones and friends, and fellow officers:

On this the twenty-third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your valor, bravery and dedication to your job is remembered. You lived your life with a profound sense of duty, and I am sure you are still watching over your family just as you did with Ryan on that fateful day.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Detective Williams gave to his community and his country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 31, 1985.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 31, 2008

Detective Williams -

That night, I took my 18 month-old out trick-or-treating. The next morning, in roll-call, the story of your death galvanized each and every one of us working LAPD. I also worked Hollywood, just the division south of you. We all had grids to search, methodically, for the suspect vehicle. Every one of us wanted to be "the one" to find your assassin.

I realized that day, that our families may be subject to peril, merely because of our doing a job which needs to be done for the good of all society.

Just last night, I learned your wife lives in my new hometown. I think I've met her before, but will make an effort to meet her again, and let her know my family and I are nearby and willing to be of assistance, should she need any.

Thanks for your courage. I would hope to show a fraction of what you did that day. May God grant you eternal rest.

Ofcr. K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Monument, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

July 25, 2008

While others may think of "trick or treating," Halloween will always remind me of that day. I was assigned to Harbor Division, and I still have videotaped footage of the initial news broadcasts, showing Detective Williams'vehicle in Canoga Park.

Today, I discussed that fateful day with my C. O. (Captain Tingirides), who at the time was assigned to Hollywood Division, and was a part of the team searching for the suspects' vehicle.

Assigned to investigate for the State, regarding future tactics-related training, gave me a unique insight into this inident. I may be mistaken, but based on my research, I am not aware of any other LAPD officer who was stalked based on a case he/she was involved in, that resulted in a similar ambush-murder.

I am meeting a fellow Cowboy tonight to have a shot in Your memory.

Detective Williams:May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

October 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service, this write is pleased that your killers are sentanced to life, we pray that that does not change.

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

October 29, 2007

"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

September 17, 2007

Tom Williams was my squadleader in the Academy. Although he was not a military veteran ( in an era when the LAPD's younger ranks were dominated by USMC/VietNam veterans ) -- he was chosen for his maturity ( 29 versus most of us were just barely able to go in a bar ) and his 7 years of service with the LA County Marshal's Office. He understood the Penal Code and Court Process better than any of us. I left the LAPD to become a Fireman in another SoCal city. On the night of his death I was involved in a tragic incident where our victim died in spite of our efforts and for some reason I had a preoccupation that someone I knew was in distress. I later learned of his tragic death trying to protect his son. He personified the ideal of "to protect and serve." RIP

Mike Elerding
Academy Classmate 3-72

August 3, 2007

Next week I will be presenting a class regarding Off-Duty Tactics. It will give me an opportunity to pass Your memory on to some of the "LAPD New Breed." (May You Rest-In-Peace)

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

April 19, 2007

You are a HERO. Rest in peace Detective Thomas Williams!

November 2, 2006

I honor your bravery.May Our Lord bless you and your loved ones.

October 31, 2006

Fallen but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

October 31, 2006

TCW:

I am happy to report that the California Parole Board did NOT grant parole to Voltaire Alphonso Williams. It is sad that he even has the same last name (no relationship of course).....Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr we will have to go through this again in two years........

Semper Fi,
MBP

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC/LAPD

October 12, 2006

What a tremendous act of courage. As you protected your son, God is now protecting you. You are undoubtedly a true hero! Rest in peace, brother in blue.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 18, 2006

Mentally, I can still see the media footage of your vehicle that you drove to go and pick up Ryan. I frequently discuss that awful day, and I had the uneviable task of investigating your murder, to provide the State with statistical data related to officer survival. RIP, Bro !

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 16, 2006

Though I never knew Detective Williams, I've always known of his death and have often reflected on his sacrafice. As a current 42 yr old LAPD robbery detective, I want you to know, that after 20+ yrs, your LAPD family has not forgotten him. This year, I've chosen to bicycle over 300 miles to the Nat'l Law Enforcement Memorial in Wash, DC on his behalf.
Detective Roble - LAPD

Detective Roble
LAPD

April 18, 2006

Tom, your tremendous courage and devotion to your son was truly inspirational. A man just simply cannot express his love for his son anymore than by giving his life to protect him. I have the utmost respect for you. I was working Metro Division at the time, and was part of the protection detail assigned to your family, the judge and the DDA. It was my (our) honor. I cannot tell you how hard we prayed to have the opportunity to confront the coward that shot you and take him "into custody." You will never be forgotten brother. Rest in peace and may God bless your family and help you watch out for them.

Sergeant Bill Forman
LAPD

January 3, 2006

Tom,

I was there when you left work that day knowing you were going home to take Ryan out for Halloween. You'll never know how our division was hurt and saddened by your loss. We will always display your picture in our lobby for all to see and learn what a hero you were. RIP

A CO-WORKER
LAPD

November 16, 2005

Dear Williams Family,

I hope all of you are well. I just wanted to say that Tom will always be an idol and a hero of mine. Hosting a softball tournament in his memory was by far one of the most memorable experiences of my (24) year career. I
think of you all often and smile. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Your friend,
Lauro V. Montes

PO-2 LAURO V. MONTES
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

November 16, 2005

To the family of Detective Tom Williams,

God works for the good for those that love him.

Your husband chose a profession that makes a better place for you and I to live in. Unfortunately the criminals will kill anyone including those of us charged with the duty to protect and serve.

I know, I pin on a badge and holster a Beretta 92F everyday I go to work. I pray that God will guide and lead me and give me the insight in every precarious situation I'm lead to.

I work with Judge Sottile's son, he is my partner 3 days a week. I want you to know that as a young boy he was inspired to become a Policeman as result of your husband and fathers death.

Your husband and father was a true courageous hero, my respect is given to him.

God bless you.

Police Officer Louis Lave
Los Angeles County Police / Office of Public Safety

September 3, 2004

I just finished watching the movie made in Tom's Honor. Tom, you are not forgotten and may you have the peace that you so richly deserve. I wish you Godspeed and may God's hand continue to protect your family.

Donald Moore
Washington University Police Dept

July 8, 2004

My husband Sgt. Dan Starnes & Officer Tom Williams were both Killed In The Line OF Duty by gunfire. Both of these officers have sons named Ryan; both of these sons were in the vehicles and were also shot at. My Ryan was hit once by gunfire at age 19; Officer Williams son was 6 years old and had to have glass removed from his body. Both of the cowards sit on death row awaiting death, while our husbands stand tall as guardian angels watching over their families. I have been blessed to get to know Mrs. Williams through email, what wonderful family you have. You and Dan continue to watch over all of us from above as we continue to unite as survivors always being there for each other.

Janice Starnes
Wife of Sgt. Dan Starnes EOW July 10, 2001

February 26, 2004

The day you were taken from us, our souls and hearts left too.. Your children are grown now but still carry your sense of integrity and love for others. You are their HERO...as you have always been mine....we will be your voice for always.

Wife

February 23, 2004

Even though I never knew you, I know what a terrific person that you were at what you meant to your family and community. Through the COPS organization, I have communicated with your wife, Norma -- who is also a terrific person.

While you are not here with us on earth, you are in the hearts and souls of thousands of people across the country. Your sacrifice has not gone in vain. Norma and your children are very dedicated to making sure that justice is done. And....Justice continues to prevail.

God bless you and your family. May you rest in peace.

Robin J. Parker
Martinsville, Indiana
Sister-in-Law for Fallen Officer Sgt. Daniel R. Starnes, Morgan County, Indiana

February 23, 2004

Tommy, what a sad sad day when you left us. You left us a true hero. RIP

Ron Miller (Retired)
LAPD

November 26, 2003

To Detective Williams

I have watched the show :in the line of duty that was made about your case..and if it is as accurate as your life was ..you truly are a hero..some people would be pressured by hoodlums like them but you stood your ground...you protected your son's life .. and you are Never to be forgotten.. god bless you and god bless your family

Robert Arrington
Just someone who cares

November 6, 2003

DET WILLIAMS YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU ARE BOTH A HERO AND A WINNER GOD BLESS YOU, REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND!

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