Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Tommy Edward Scott

Los Angeles World Airports Police Department, California

End of Watch Friday, April 29, 2005

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Tommy Edward Scott

Your bravery will be remembered. Rest in peace.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

July 13, 2005

To a true leader, mentor, and friend who I was given the greatest pleasure of knowing. Class #161 will always remember you. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer Ruben Bnauelos
Monrovia PD

June 18, 2005

To the true "All-American". Words cannot express how much you will be missed. Just know that your legacy will forever live on and that we will never forget all the joy that you brought us every day. You were the real deal.

Officer Rick Higgins
Los Angeles World Airports PD

June 12, 2005

There have been many versions of what happened on Friday Morning and how we came to lose Officer Tommy Scott. You can’t race cars, fly airplanes, and you can’t dig mines without cave-ins and crashes. You can’t send police officers out into the streets of a violent society without violent deaths! Tommy Scott did it anyway, as many police officers do. Those who knew him said he did the best job he could all the time. Friends and colleagues said he did it because he loved it. Tommy died doing what he loved to do, and that is something difficult to explain to those outside our profession. You can’t be a police officer because you didn’t get “some other job”. You can only be a police officer because you want to.

But there is an answer to why he died — something I heard, many years ago. A young soldier, preparing to face the enemy for the first time. It was then that the sergeant explained that there are three rules in war:
Rule #1, “young men die,”
Rule #2, “you can’t change rule number one,”
Rule #3 “somebody has got to walk the point.”

You see, when soldiers advance, knowing enemy is near, there’s always someone way out in front of everyone else. His duties are to look and listen for, and sense that first contact, to spot the enemy, pinpointing ambush, fire the first shot and, as a consequence, take the enemy’s first shots. It offends the logical mind and the instinct for survival; ‘Walking Point’ ages, wizens and screams of the insanity of placing oneself directly in harm’s way. Sometimes they even kill those on ‘Point’. But it must be done or there would be no protection for the rest, more bloodshed, and more grief. The ‘Point Man’ is there to save lives, even if he gives his own in the process.

Society sure isn’t a company of soldiers, but it sure has someone “walking the point” – every time you see a police officer answer a radio call, and, every time they stop to check something suspicious. Just remember, you can’t change rule number one.

I know some of you will remember our the fallen officers, but that’s not good enough. There is a way to honor them for what they did for you, and they certainly didn’t have to ‘walk point’. I’m not just talking about what they did on the day of their death. Remember what Tommy and so many others do for you every day, day after day, in darkness and daylight, rain or shine, on Thanksgiving Day and every other day of the year without ever expecting even a simple “a thank you!” They volunteered to walk the point. Honor them. Remember them. And, in the quiet peace of your home, come to your knees and thank God – Tommy Scott knew the risks he faced yet he willingly accepted the responsibility. He knew someone must walk the point and he paid the ultimate price.

Tommy Scott, may God take you into his ever-loving arms and grant your family comfort and peace that only he can give.

Until I see your smile again…..

“Mr. Mason”

Don Mason
Rio Hondo Police Academy

June 10, 2005

Rest easy brother, its time for you to patrol the streets of heaven. We will take it from here.

PO-2 Thomas D. Andreas
LAPD/Rampart Division

June 1, 2005

Officer Scott, my heart goes out to your family and colleagues. Everyone had such high regards of you, so many lives you have touched. It is true that heaven has indeed inherited an "Angel" When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing it shall be.

April
Citizen

May 17, 2005

As I write this reflection and look at the picture of Tommy, I remember when he graciously picked my husband up from the hospital and smiled and said hi. I remember when he studied at our home for Academy exams. I remember when he would call and we'd all have a joke we would share. Those precious memories click in my mind like snapshots. Those photographic memories will always be in my mind. As small as those things may have been, they will all be treasured by my husband and I.

There has not yet been words invented to describe our sorrow, however we find great solitude in knowing that Tommy is now safe, and with our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for allowing Tommy to cross paths with us. Amen.

Candace Edwards
My Husband's Dear Friend

May 16, 2005

Strengthen me today, dear Lord,
And help me keep in mind
The laws that You created
For the world that You designed.
May I stand for justice
So one day crime may cease,
And let me serve all people
So they may live in peace.

Thank you for your service and dedication to the airport community.

May 14, 2005

I did not know you. We never worked together. I do know that you were my brother, regardless of race, beliefs or
uniforms. I know you were brave and were a role model for every law enforcement officer. God Speed Tommy!

Sergeant LAPD
LAPD

May 13, 2005

I didn't know Tommy, but in paying my respects I was proud to wear the same blues as he did. The service was great and honorable and your Father gave those of us that did not know you a glimpse in to your life. It made me proud that there are those like you out there serving and loving their duty. We lost one of the best...thank you for your service.

J. Hoover
San Diego Harbor PD

May 13, 2005

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 southeast Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Tommy did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Tommy be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Officer Scott's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you. If you ever need anything please do not hesistate to contact me. Dennis' department will always know how to reach me.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Tommy is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Tommy was well respected and well loved. You were blessed to have had him in your life, even for a short time.

Thank you Officer Scott 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 brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

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

May 13, 2005

Thank you for your dedicated service.

Officer
Somerdale Police, NJ

May 12, 2005

"Tommy Gunnz", my friend, my brother.

In the early mornings, as I was ending watch and you were starting watch, we would shake hands and hug one another. I would tell you "I held down the watch last night; its on you now, you got this?" and you would say " Oh yeah, for sure, Its under control". Well my brother, you rest now and I promise you I will maintain the watch. I will miss you greatly and you will never,ever be forgotten!!!!! I know you still have my back, WATCH OVER ME, MY BROTHER.

Field Training Officer Bruce Autry
Los Angeles Airport Police Dept.

May 11, 2005

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

May 11, 2005

Officer Scott was a very friendly person. Everytime I went into the station to do my rounds, Officer Scott would go out of his way to smile, say hi and then shake my hand. He was truly a good officer, I am very sadened by his tragedy. I will always remember that warm smile of his.

Security Officer Perez, D.
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 11, 2005

On behlaf of the 1250 officers in Grampian Police i would like to send our condolences to the Scott family. The death of a colleague is felt by all officers no matter were in the world they work. Take care.

Constable Glen Erskine
Grampian Police, SCOTLAND

May 11, 2005

As I walked the beat that we both once walked together, I look over my shoulder and you're not there my brother. But rest assured that I will never forget you. You will forever be in my heart and I will make sure that the foot steps that follow on our beat will know Officer Tommy Scott. Rest in peace my brother.

Officer Efren Orlanes
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 11, 2005

I offer this prayer for the immediate & extended family of Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott. He is missed dearly.

Policeman's Prayer

St. Michael, Heaven's glorious
Commissioner of Police, who once so
neatly and successfully cleared God's
premises of all it's undesirables, look
with kindly and professional eye on
your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts,
hard punches, an uncanny flair for
investigation and wise judgement.

Make us the terror of burglars, the
friend of children and law-abiding
citizens, kind to strangers, polite to
bores, strict with law-breakers and
impervious to temptations.

You know, St. Michael, from your
own experiences with the devil that the
policeman's lot on Earth is not always
a happy one; but your sense of duty
that so pleased God, your hard knocks
that so suprised the devil, and your
angelic self-control give us - inspiration.

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. Amen

Goodbye my friend. Know that you
have meant so much to so many...














Airport Police Officer S.M Smith
LAXPD CSI Unit

May 10, 2005

It's hard to believe you are gone. Your cheerful smile will be missed. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into the job every single day. You are our hero and guardian angel my friend. Forever you will remian in our hearts. We love ya Tommy!!

Ofcr Ireen Sare
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 10, 2005

I will never forget the way you would say Hey ! " Big Pete " , how are you? I knew that there was something special and unique about you not only because you would buy all the calls from dispatch, but because you displayed a genuine desire to be the best person you could be, without even trying. I'll never forget that day at Pacific when you helped me with a trainee that tested my patience. Because of you, I learned to be more understanding and ultimately a better FTO. Thank you for being who you are: a brother, and most of all , my friend...

OFC / FTO PETE TRANCE
LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE

May 9, 2005

Tommy, I’ll miss bumping into you in the weight room. I’m disappointed we never got a chance to run together. From now on I’ll reminisce of you everytime I run through Lincoln : ) Thanks for touching everyone’s lives. You’ve done so much for us! We’ll never forget you!! I know God will continue to bless your spirit. We shall meet again…

Claudia Coronel, Civilian
Los Angeles Airport Police

May 9, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to the LAXPD and to Officer Scott's family for your tragic loss. I hope my prayers ease some of your pain.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Van Remmen

Mary Anne Vn Remmen, RN
LAWA Employee Health Nurse

May 9, 2005

Thank you Tommy!!!!!!!

Ofcr. S. Norwood
LAXPD

May 9, 2005

Tommy, I praise the Lord for a man like you. I practically see the impact of true character. There is nothing I can say that has not already been said. The price you paid was to great for me to stay the same. I pray daily that the Lord Jesus Christ will make me half the man you were. I will see you in heaven.

peace officer
LAXPD

May 9, 2005

Officer Tommy Scott will be painfully missed. He will be mourned and forever cheerished not only by all his brothers and sisters in blue, but by every person he came into contact with. His goodness, his kindness, his gentleness, his desire for perfection, his quest for knowledge, his genorosity and his true compassion left impressions on all of us. I remember hearing a call come out for a possible explosion at the International Terminal. It was Officer Tommy Scott putting out the call, setting up the comand post, getting help for the injured, requesting addition units and setting up perimeters, it was done effortlessly, almost in one breath. As I flew to get to the scene, I just thought, Thank God he was primary, I knew everything would be done right. Officer Tommy Scott not only take a call no matter the time, date or situation, he would buy it......happily. Then he would proceed to go above and beyond with true heartfelt sincerity, with a smile and a word of positivity. I remember when he first got off of probation, we laughed together as a Sergeant advised him that we were given brakes, if he didn't know, and was ordered to take a code 15. I have never met a person like him before, and doubt I will ever meet one again anytime soon. As I look around at all the pain and sorrow in the faces of my fellow officers....as I hold this emptiness in my own heart, I realize that we were truely in the presence of an angel. If I could become just a fraction of the person he was as an officer, a friend, a co-worker, and a son.......I feel I truely would have accomplished something. He is forever in my heart as I know he is in everyone elses. May his smile always shine, we love you Tommy. For his family...you are beautiful and dear, we hold you in our hearts and prayers. I thank you for the speech you gave at the funeral. It inspired US, it strenghed US, as you stood so strong and true. God Bless and keep you. You have our love always.

police officer
Los Angeles Airport police

May 9, 2005

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