Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Sergeant Hontz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2022

Thank you for your service to your department and to your community. RIP sir knowing that you will never ever be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb, New York State Police.

August 5, 2020

It's hard to believe it was 16 years ago yesterday since you passed at our training in Gilbert. The knowledge that you shared with me still is with here and i thank you for that - you kept me safe. Please continue to look down upon us and we miss you.

Det Ben Felice (Retired)
Scottsdale, AZ Police Dept

February 21, 2018

Remembering your service and sacrifice.

Commander Ron Bayne (Retired)
Scottsdale Police Department

June 17, 2016

Tom, thanks again for everything. I'm where I'm at today partially as a result of what you taught me. Thank you for that and for your sacrifice that day.

Very Respectfully,

Commander Ron Bayne #559
Scottsdale PD

June 9, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 25, 2012

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

February 20, 2010

Thank you.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

August 6, 2009

Forgive me for missing the anniversary of your E.O.W., but I felt as though I could not continue to read about so many tragedies. I now realize the visit each day to leave a word of encouragement and hope to the loved ones of others, helps me to remember that I am not alone with my pain and heartbreak. So may I say to your friends and loved ones that my thoughts and prayers are with them now and always. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol and may they know you will never be forgotten.

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

February 23, 2009

Sgt. Hontz,
On today, the 7th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Scottsdale. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

February 20, 2009

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Hontz. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 17, 2008

Your expertise guided us. Your mentorship molded us. Your dedication inspired us. The men and women of the Scottsdale Police Department have not forgotten. We salute your memory and your contribution to the law enforcement community.

Honor Guard Commander
Scottsdale Police Department

May 1, 2008

Sir,

I pay respect to you sir for your service. As your EOW date approaches, I am praying for your family, friends, and department. I have a relative who will be starting with your department soon, and feel he will do well there. Please keep an eye on him and make sure he stays safe, and I will be sure he always remembers to keep your memory alive for those who start and get hired after him. God bless you and your department.

Officer Kowalik
Harper Woods PD, MI

February 12, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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

November 18, 2007

The City of Scottsdale and cities around the Phoenix Metropolitan Area not just lost an officer, but lost a beloved brother,an exceptional hero to some, a warrior but most importantly an outstanding leader who's passion was to protect and serve others and to train as if he was dealing with a real life situation and pass it on to others as well. I take comfort that other officers (even in the jails) have learned from your teaching and your guidance for training police officers to be the safest, to be the best that they can be. Your sacrifice has never been forgotten and I will never forget you!

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for shall they be called the Sons of God"

Matthew: 5:9

Ofc. Francis Lipska
Maricopa County Sheriffs Office

September 24, 2007

I miss you and know that I am a better man today because I knew you and learned from you. R.I.P. brother.

j.b.
Scottsdale P.D. #333

April 3, 2007

Your service to my community will always be honored. You gave your life training to protect and defend. In a way, your death may have been easier to accept to your loved ones than the way so many other officers have fallen in the line of duty. In any case, your loss is no less important or forgotten to the citizens you devoted to serve.

no rank
A Scottsdale native

March 4, 2007

Tomorrow will mark five years since the accident and Tom you are greatly missed in our agency. Thanks Tom for everything that you taught me in the time that I worked for you and I think about your family often.

rtb 559

Sgt. Ron Bayne #559
Scottsdale PD

February 19, 2007

I visit this site often, to pay respect to those in our fields, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And each time boss, I see your picture and your memorial stone rubbing on the wall. There is never a "right" time to say what you want to say, but mine is overdue.
We all think of you each day and your shoes are big ones that will never be filled.

(From a Policeman's Prayer) "...And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God, as we have been to guard the city of men."

Neart, Gra agus Onoir (Strength, love and honor)

Crime Scene Specialist K. Martin B1162
Scottsdale PD

June 19, 2006

It's hard to believe that four years have passed since Tom's passing. Tom was a good man, and a good leader and mentor. It still hurts to think that he's gone, but I also have many fond memories that I will always cherish. It was an honor to serve with and work for him.

I will never forget how Tom lived,

Andy Marshall

Det. Andy Marshall
Scottsdale PD SWAT

February 21, 2006

To the family and friends of Sgt. Thomas Hontz and his fellow officers with the Scottsdale Police Dept:

On this the four year anniversary day of Sgt. Hontz's tragic death, I extend my sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when Sgt. Hontz was killed in the line of duty during training. His dedication and valor will be forever remembered.

Reading the description of the incident was painful as I learned about the horrible explosion that occurred that day which resulted in so many injuries to other officers and firemen, and the death of this dedicated officer.

May you continue to be comforted and supported by your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. There are many who share this painful journey with you who will continue to be by your side.

Most especiallly to Sgt. Thomas Hontz himself: Your memory remains cherished and revered. Rest in Peace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Sgt. Hontz gave to his community and the citizens of Arizona as a peace officer, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 20, 2002.

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

February 20, 2006

Four years have past since Tom had to go. We still remember, we still ache, we now know, more than ever, what a hole has been left in the Team, in the Department, in our Family, in our Hearts. I know you are doing great things where you are, but I miss you My Brother. Please continue to provide heavenly overwatch, we need the help!

Det. Ray Rheingans
Scottsdale Police Dept.

February 20, 2006

You and your family will never be forgotten.

February 20, 2006

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Thomas did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Thomas be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Sergeant Hontz's family, friends, and co-workers must have gone through in losing him. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his fiancee. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (The Davis County Sheriff's Office and COPS will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Thomas but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Thomas will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all blessed to have been able to know and love Thomas, even for a short time. I pray that Thomas and Dennis will continue to watch over us along with all the other fallen officers all as only they can.

Thank you Sergeant Hontz for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you and all those who loved you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

August 29, 2005