Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

He was shot by a derringer the individual he was taking to jail, after wrecking while drunk, had hidden in his boot.

Gerald E York
Nephew

August 28, 2023

Thank you constable York for you service , may you rest in peace

Tony Fawbush

June 18, 2023

Constable York,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 7, 2022

Officer York is buried in family graveyard [Wolf River Cemetery, Pall Mall, Tennessee]
In memory of a earlier Frentress County Officer who gave his life in the line of duty
Acting Constable James Reed killed August 12, 1858
Cause of death:Stabbed
Officer was killed and two other men were wounded by the suspect.
Suspect status: Not tried for this crime but was hanged OCtober 20,1865 on a charge of over 50 killings during the Civil War 1861-1865 [Suspect claimed true number was nearly 100]
ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_Ferguson

T.F.
researcher

May 17, 2019

Semper Fi to you, your family and your Father. GOD Bless all of you and thank you for your service.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
CHP Motors

October 8, 2018

My senior drill sgt. in basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington in April,1970, was a Msgt. Calvin York, who claimed to be a nephew of Sgt. Alvin York. I was extremely proud of training under the York name, given its affiliation to the Army and it's service to the Nation.

SP/4 Marvin W.Lambert
served 1970-1973 Honorable Discharge

October 16, 2016

Constable York, I just had the same experience as Jim Leahy. Your family has given much...perhaps, too much...in the service of this Nation. I thank you for your service in the USAF, and for your service on behalf of the people of Fentress County and the State of Tennessee.

May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Sgt. K. Moreland
Arapahoe Community College PD (Ret. LAPD)

July 10, 2014

After just watching "Sergeant York" on TCM, I decided to look him up and found Constable York's information which lead me here.

Constable York, though it was your famous father that lead me here, I leave a reflection to you because of who YOU were and YOUR sacrifice. Your efforts to serve and protect the people of your community even after serving your country in the Air Force is laudable. Thank you for all you did. Though taken from them physically, I have no doubt that you have never truly left your family and watch over them even today 43 years later.

God Bless and may you forever Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

July 4, 2014

I too met Andy at the York home and we talked about his dad not the war hero but than man, Any is truly humble and it was my honor to meet him

Col Logan
D.O.D.

November 24, 2012

Constable York, My wife and I were at your Dad's house this past month and we spent time with your brother Andy. We spoke briefly of you and your family and we also visited you at the cemetery. What an honor it was for us. If Andy is any indication, you and all of your siblings are true American Heroes. Thank you for your service.

Peace Keeper, SMSgt, USAF (Retired)
US Air Force Security Police

August 15, 2012

The movie "Sgt. York" was on tonight and I researched the true story online. That led me to the ODMP website. So many heroes for one family. I will remember Thomas in my prayers.

Ptlm. P.K. Harding (Ret.)
Binghamton (NY) PD

May 27, 2012

Sunday May 27, 2012
I am my family were watching Sergeant York and I began to read Alvin York"s bio. I did not know Alvin York's son was a law enforcement officer. Two generations of American heros. Thank you for your service. You will never know till you are received by the Father how many lives you touched. God Bless

Officer C Jenkins
memphis Police Dept

May 27, 2012

I was reading about your father when I came across the note that you had served as a constable & lost you life in the line of duty. I looked you up on ODMP & discovered I'd overshot the 40th anniversary of your passing by only 3 days so I thought I might say something.

I hope you & your father are both resting in peace knowing you both did your duty well.

EWC John Mumper, USNR (Ret.)
Citizen

May 10, 2012

Rest in Peace Brother, we have the Watch

Policeman
Brother in Blue, Phoenix PD

December 13, 2011

Tom
I think of you often and the times we spent digging arrowheads and looking for places in the mountains that were meaninful to your daddy. York palace,Thieves neck and York Cave will always stand out in my memories as will you. Thanks for everything Tom.

Frank Podriznik
Friend

June 18, 2011

Thomas, your ability and devotion to duty through to the end of your watch is a tribute to yourself, your family and your legacy. You have demonstrated that courage is doing what is right, not what is easy. I salute you and your fellow officers in arms who have given their all so others may be free. May your children always know that 38 years later, you are still remembered, not forgotten and will always be looked upon as one who did what was right and faced evil head on.

Bob Massaro
retired veteran

December 13, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 7, 2010

Sir thank you for your years of service and dedication to the people of Fentress Co. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and fellow LEO. RIP

C/O M.W. Gilbert
Iowa Departmenr of Corrections

April 9, 2010

Tommy---You are not forgoten!!!

Dishman 's
family

October 2, 2009

I just finished watching the movie about your father, for the 30th time. I didnt know that his son was killed as a law enforcement officer. The state of Tennessee should be proud of these two men of which they produced, and the nation should be grateful for these warriors.

Trooper R. Capehart
PA state Police

May 25, 2009

Constable York,
I just finished reading the biography of your father, the great Alvin C. York. The courage he exhibited on that fateful day in the Argonne Forest obviously carried through to his family, for you gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Fentress County. God grant you both eternal peace.

Don Bellendier Det. Sgt. (retired)

July 20, 2008

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 7, 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 29, 2008

Constable York,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Fentress County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

May 7, 2005