Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Thomas Joseph Dietzman, Jr.

Aurora Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Friday, August 16, 1985

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Thomas Joseph Dietzman, Jr.

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 16, 2020

It will be 34 years since you were taken from us
Not a day goes by my friend that you aren't in my thoughts
You were a kind gentle soul that always watched over me while I was on patrol
and made me feel safe. You will be forever missed.

Kim Animal Care Supervisor
City of Aurora

August 15, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Dietzman. A truly tragic story of a loyal and most trusted hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2019

The man I love might have been with you that day. He remembers you every day and every night, and prays for you and your family.

He is a wonderful man who serves his country well. He has a heart of gold, who loves his fellow man, and who does these things to honor your life.

You are remembered. You are cherished.

Anonymous
Friend

September 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 33rd anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 16, 2018

Officer Dietzman, in the midst of living you were gone. However, you and your dedication to excellence are still remembered on the Aurora Police Department, in Colorado and everywhere we honor those who served to the end.

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

April 18, 2017

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 29, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 1, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 21, 2012

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Dietzman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 24, 2012

although you and i never met i still feel a sense of loss, i am proud to say that i am descended from someone who devoted them self to a greater good. i wonder what kind of person you were like and i wonder if you would be proud of the family you left behind... all of us have made mistakes some bigger than other but i still wonder what you would think how you would feel and if you and i would get along. i guess those questions will remain unanswered.
RIP Officer Dietzman.
~G.D.

Anonymous

July 9, 2010

Patrolman Dietzman - I'm so sorry to read that you and your son had lost contact prior to your death - such is a common tale among police families.

Thanks for your service to both the people of Aurora and the State of Colorado. I stood in the State Assembly chambers, last Friday, when your name was read off during a resolution regarding the upcoming Peace Officer's memorial week. You, and the almost 250 others, are not forgotten.

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

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 26, 2010

Rest in peace sir you are never forgotten God Bless Thank you for your service

Explorer
Explorer/Son of Aurora Police officer

December 4, 2008

Patrolman Dietzman,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Aurora. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 16, 2008

Hello. My name is Steve (Stephen) Dietzman. I am Thomas's son. After he and my mom split up we lost touch and I honestly didn't get to know my father all too well. I was only 12 when he died. If anyone checks this site who knew him personally, I would love to speak with you.

I do know that all he always wanted to be a Police Officer and he lettered at the U of A on the ROTC squad on the rifle team. He was an outdoors man and had many trophies from shooting competitions. Thank you for visiting this site and thank you to those who run this. Most of all, thank you to all who serve and to the families that support them.

God Bless,

Steve

Steve Dietzman
son

May 29, 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

December 9, 2007

Officer Dietzman, it has been 21 years ago since you left us, but you are not forgotten. God Bless you for all the goodness you did here, to make this a better place.

Police Sergeant
North Carolina

September 21, 2006

I best remember your bravery and professionalism and the way you laughed and shrugged off the frustrating times on the job. I think of you often and wish there were more officers like you in these days of uncertainty; but, then, I guess that could never be, for they broke the mold when they made you. Rest in peace. Until we meet again, Tom.

Cris Melendez
Friend

May 14, 2006

I best remember your bravery and professionalism and the way you laughed and shrugged off the frustrating times on the job. I think of you often and wish there were more officers like you in these days of uncertainty; but, then, I guess that could never be, for they broke the mold when they made you. Rest in peace. Until we meet again, Tom.

Cris Melendez
Friend

May 14, 2006

Rest In Peace Patrolman Dietzman. Terribly sad incident. I will pray for your family.


New York State Police

February 17, 2006

Dear family of Thomas Dietzman,
My name is Taylor Youngblood, I am 13 and live in North Carolina. I just want to say, thank you for his sacrifice. My step father was killed in the line of duty one year ago in april. And I know how much it hurts, and what you guys are going through. I'm praying for you.


Sincerely,
Taylor Youngblood

Taylor Youngblood
step son of fallen officer

November 12, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

April 6, 2005

Most unfortunate ... rest easy officer dietzman

Anonymous

November 6, 2003

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