Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A recent graduate of the Goshen Honor Guard Camp is where I met you Thomas. No, you we not there, but your presence is still felt in the hearts of many other brother and sisters. I will always remember you as part of our Law Enforcement family. Rest in Peace my brother...God Bless the family and I offer my prayers as strength.

Officer Edmond F. Israel
Florida Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement

April 20, 2005

Tommy, I just completed the Honor Guard Training Camp in Goshen. You are remembered by your fellow officers daily. Your presence was felt by everyone at our closing ceremony and graduation. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

K-9 Officer J.Phillips
Florida Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement

April 16, 2005

I never knew this site was here or I would have written sooner. To Tom's family, I send my heart felt prayers. You never think that someone you went to high school with would be taken from this earth in such a tragic way. It was a shock to learn such a wonderful person could be gone and to know he didn't deserve it. I'll always remember Tom's smile and great sense of humor. He could make the most boring class in school alot of fun. He always had a wonderful sense of humor and he was always cheerful and very sweet and very polite.

God Bless You Tom!!

Christina Stahl
High School Classmate

December 13, 2003

Tommy,

I cant believe I have been to so many brother officer's funerals. I am writing you just shortly after we have lost one of our own Officer Doug Adams. I can't help remembering that crisp sunny day when you were taken from us. I will never forget my SWAT pager going off that morning. I called in and they said a Goshen Officer was down. I immediatly thought, Who was it? I alway reflect on that day, every time I Zip up my tactical vest. I am sure you were watching us as we all pulled together and tracked your killer down. That day was a turning point for our team and for me. But what I think about most of all is when they told me it was you that was gone. I remember when we were all lined up in morning formation at the Academy. Lt. Davis told us to look around the room at all the faces. He told us that the facts are that some of us will give the ultimate sacrifice. And you did. I just did not ever think that it would have been you. I carry your memory with me every day. You will not be forgotten.

Todd

Detective Todd Thayer
Elkhart City Police

Tommy - Well I'am retired now, I should have left sooner.  I am going away soon.  I am hoping that the time away will help heal the wound.  Rose and Matt are very supportive, and will join me sometime in June.  I miss the department very much, but was not very effective after you were gone.  Please watch over all of us, and I'll talk to you often.

Uncle Mike

Retired Chief M. Kettlebar

One year ago tomorrow Officer Goodwin was taken from this earth. I never met him, but my life like many others has been touched by his death. I cry today thinking that this had to happen. I know by his faith that Officer Goodwin loved the Lord and is now in His presence. My prayers are still with Tommy's family and friends knowing that this must be a very hard time for them. Thank you to all who are willing serve and protect. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you.

Thank you Officer Goodwin.

Anonymous

To the Friends and Family of Tom,

As I read this I couldn't help but think this is what

he would say to us if he had a chance.

May you all find some peace knowing

Tom is being taken care of with much love.

Let Tom's love for Christ live in your hearts.

Aunt Sharon

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,

and I'm not there to see;

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,

the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things,

we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

as much as I love you,

and each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,

please try to understand,

that an Angel came and called my name,

and took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready,

in heaven far above,

and that I'd have to leave behind,

all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

a tear fell from my eye,

for all life, I'd always thought,

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,

so much yet to do,

it seemed almost impossible,

that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared,

and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,

just even for a while,

I'd say good-bye and kiss you

and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,

that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories,

would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did,

my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,

from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity,

and all I've promised you."

Today for life on earth is past,

but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,

but today will always last,

and since each day's the same day,

there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,

so trusting and so true.

Though there were times you did some things,

you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven

and now at last you're free.

So won't you take my hand

and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me,

I'm right here, in your heart.

David M. Romano
Author

FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Officer Goodwin, It has been almost a year since you left us. Although many of us still hurt inside, we will never forget the good you did for all mankind. Always willing to go the extra mile for your commrades. Please watch over us in our daily activities and know that we all miss you dearly. Thanks for everything you did for your city. You were a true hero. We all miss you and will see you on the other side.

From all of us at Osolo Ems, Thank you

Kevin Poyser Firefighter EMT
Osolo EMS

Tommy,

Well it is Sept now, the leaves are turning, and the weather is cool. I only have till Dec 31st and I will retire. Some how it doesn't feel good anymore. I still don't sleep, and crying has become a way of life. I have many nieces and nephews, and I love them all, but it's not the same. I miss you so very much. I got so use to seeing you each day, that I really didn't take the time to tell you how I felt, and then you were gone. I can tell you that I worry about the
rest of the department more then ever. I couldn't bear to lose someone else. Watch down on me Tommy I really need it.

Love Uncle Mike

Uncle Mike (Chief)
Goshen Police

My Precious Brother,

My heart is still breaking, my eyes still crying. How do I live the rest of my life without you? Our bond was so great, our time was so short. I doubt I'll ever be free of this horrible ache.

I will remember you, will you remember me. Til we are together again!

Forever your little sister.

Deborah

In a little girls eyes, superheroes always fly!

Well, Tom, some time has passed. I can think of you without crying, but the hurt is still there. I drink my coffee alone now on my days off. I still look at the clock at 9, then remember that you won't be coming by.

I don't have many, but I was so proud to call you FRIEND while we were both here on earth. I will call you friend again, when I see you face to face. Till then I will remember.

Ptl. Darrell Robinson
Goshen City PD

Tommy-

I am honored to have worked side by side with you, and privileged to have been your friend. Not a day passes that I don’t think about our last minutes together. The dreams you had for our department and our City are becoming a reality, and you would be very proud to see what has been happening.

You have made me realize that other than my family and fellow officers, little else matters. Watch over us daily as we strive to carry on without you.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

"Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven"

Matthew 5:9 & 5:12

I'm sorry I couldn't do more.

My brother- I’ll see you on the other side...

Ptl. Duane Miller
Goshen Police Department

IT WAS A COOL DECEMBER MORNING
WHEN SNIPER SHOTS WERE FIRED WITHOUT A WARNING
A MAN SO HONEST AND TRUE
FELL TO THE GROUND DRESSED IN BLUE
A BRAVE FRIEND COVERED TOMMY WITH CARE
AS AN OFFICER DOWN CALL FILLED THE AIR
OFFICERS RAN SIGNAL 10 FROM NEAR AND FAR
AS TOMMY WAS BEING RUSHED AWAY IN A POLICE CAR
TOMMY'S LIFE ON EARTH ENDED AT TEN TILL ELEVEN
THEN HE JOYFULLY MET HIS LORD AND SAVIOR IN HEAVEN
A FELLOW OFFICER'S LIFE WAS LOST
TOMMY SWORE TO PROTECT AND SERVE NO MATTER WHAT THE COST
LIKE HIS UNCLE MIKE HE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE
A POLICE OFFICER THAT SERVED HIS COMMUNITY
FOR 8 YEARS HE SERVED GOSHEN WITH PRIDE
IT ENDED TOO SUDDENLY THE DAY HE DIED
MY BEST FRIEND WAS TAKEN AWAY
ON THAT TRAGIC DECEMBER DAY
TOMMY WAS MORE THAN AN FTO AND GUIDE
HE WAS ALSO A FRIEND THAT STUCK BY MY SIDE
NEVER QUICK TO JUDGE OR A HARSH WORD TO SAY
HE'D CRACK A JOKE, THEN A SMILE, WHICH WOULD BRIGHTEN
YOUR DAY
EVEN THOUGH TOMMY IS GONE AND WE SHED A TEAR
MEMORIES OF HIM WILL ALWAYS BE NEAR
SO LETS PULL TOGETHER AND BECOME ONE
BECAUSE TOMMY'S LIFE HASN'T ENDED, IT'S ONLY JUST BEGUN.

TOMMY I MISS YOU SO MUCH. BUT I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE AND ARE HAPPY. THERE'S NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DON'T MISS YOU. LOVE ALWAYS--TERESA

PTL. TERESA MAURER
GOSHEN P.D.

Tommy, I wish there was more we could have done, but it was not meant to be. You'll always be with us, and we will never forget you.

Patrolman Jeff Schrock
Goshen PD, IN

Tommy- it seems like just yesterday we took that trip to fla
yet all of a sudden you were grown. you wanted to be a cop
and then you were gone. I loved you as a nephew, i was proud
of you as a fellow officer. i miss you so much. keep watch
over us that are still here, i hope that we will see each
other again.

uncle mike

Chief and Uncle Mike
Goshen PD

You were taken from us so quickly,

we never had a chance to say goodbye.

You are ever in our thoughts

and your memory lives within each of us.

we see you as a little boy and then as you begin to grow.

there are so many happy times to fill our thoughts each day.

Your presence is sorely missed but we know you have gone to a better place.

to say we understand would be a lie.

How does one understand having one

so dear and special ripped from our lives.

You have started many good things into motion.

the ripples from your life will ever flow through ours.

Many have known you and to know you was to love you.

Your work was only just begun when your life was stolen from us.

In our hearts we know you are happy where you are.

But our hearts are also heavy with missing you.

To see your smile, to touch your face or give a hug,

or just to see you passing by on your way to work,

this is all gone from us now. But your love lives on.

the joy you felt for life and for your savior sustains us now.

Your smile will always shine in our hearts and minds.

We will remember the times your ran and played.

The little boy grew into a wonderful young man so full of love.

We were blessed to have you in our lives.

Your memory will be kept alive for the ones that knew you not.

They are the ones that will be sad for they never saw your smile

or had you in their lives. But we shall share you with them.

You will live on in our memories for you are not gone,

you have only gone on before us.

God is wonderful in that he promises

we will all be together again in times to come.

So we will try to dry our tears with memories

of the years gone by and the memory of your smile.

I thank God for our last visits together and will treasure them forever.

I love you so much Tom.

Aunt Sharon

God chose to take you from, us that cold and wintery day, We'll never understand, why He chose that terrible way. He must have had a reason, He must have had a plan, Though we may never know why, we try to understand. We love you still, we miss you much, Yes, that you know. As we go on, our hearts still mourn though it may not show. Close to our hearts we clutch, our memories of you, And in our minds we see you, doing all you used to do.
Some day, if the Good Lord wills, we'll again meet up there, Till then you live forever in our hearts, & minds & prayers.

I Love you, Tom

Aunt Dixie

On Dec. 11th our department truly lost one of the "good ones". Tom was a friend and brother officer that will be sorely missed. He was one of those officers that you could always count on whether it was for backup or just someone to talk to.

Tom was taken from us so unnecessarily by a sniper's bullet. Tom would have enjoyed seeing how our department pulled together along with the community after this tragedy. We will miss you Tommy.

Detective Stephen M. Priem
Goshen Police Department, IN

To Officer Goodwin's family and friends,

I only met Ptl. Goodwin twice while I worked at WTRC AM 1340...but both times
he was polite and helpful. He was a good and kind man and a good police
officer--and my prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

Kathy Cline
WSOY AM 1340

To my dear friend,

It is so hard to believe you are gone now my friend. The Lord brought us together one last time that night at Wal-Mart. You are missed and loved so much, we all just took it for granted. I am sure you loved the funeral but probably felt like "what's all this for?" The Lord is good and is taking care of the family. Al and I talked about the wiffleball games we always played. I wish we could have been closer after graduation, but it wasn't meant to be. Your life has touched Goshen and your love for everyone has come back to you 1000 fold. I pray that the kids of Goshen learn a lesson from all this!! I will miss you much Tom and look forward to chatting with you on the other side.

Love ya, Jon

Jon Millard
Lifelong Friend

To My Dear Cousin: I am honored to have had you as a family member. Though this awful tragedy has ripped you from our lives, your memory will live on forever. We love you and miss you with all of our hearts.

Anonymous

Tommy Goodwin was not only a fine officer but he was also a good man. He was one of those officers that you looked forward to working with.

He loved the Lord and is with him now. We'll talk again one day my friend.

Captain Joseph Brown
Goshen Police Department, IN

As I talked with my mother on the phone from my college dorm room a feeling of great sorrow came over me as she told me of an officer that gave his life in the line of duty. Though I never had the honor of knowing the officer it affected me just the same. Anytime that an officer goes down in the line of duty it is a sad day. My prayers and the prayers of all the students and faculty of the Vincennes University Law Enforcement program go out to the family and friends of Officer Goodwin. I only hope that when I become a police officer myself that I never have to face the situation such as Officer Goodwin did, but if I do I hope that I too will have the courage to face the situation with as much dignity and honor as he did.

Many of the Law Enforcement majors at VU wear a hat that says: "Some Gave All." This is only so very true of officer Goodwin. I wish I would be able to send my sympathies in person but to you all I say: "May god be with you!"

William Menges
Vincennes University Law Enforcement Major

To the family and friends of Ptl. Goodwin,

I would like to offer my sympathy and respect to your fallen officer and close friend. My prayers are with you all and I wish you all the best of luck during this tragic time. May God Bless!

Anonymous

Tom,

I was there in the trailer park the day you were murdered. One of a hundred SWAT operators. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was there when your killer was arrested, I can still see the casings from the rounds that I took out of his pocket, and feel the chill that went through all of us as we looked at the casings and back at him. I wanted to kill him then and there. We all did. But we didn't. We held ourselves to the highest standard of our profession and conducted ourselves with honor. More than he deserved.

I think of that day and you often. I have your photo in my office, and although I never met you, I cried at your funeral.

I don't know where we go when if die, if we go anywhere, but I'd like to think there is a special place in heaven for cops, and that you know all of this.

Kevin Will
Mishawaka Police

D/Capt
Mishawaka Police Dept.