Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Ford Tyson "Toby" Humphrey, Jr.

Stafford County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Thursday, October 9, 1980

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Ford Tyson "Toby" Humphrey, Jr.

I went to school with Toby. We rode the bus together. I remember one day coming home on the bus i was sick and ronning a temp.and was having chills he made everyone take there coats off and give them to me so i would be warm he was a few years older then me. I cried so hard when i heard he had died i just couldn't believe it.

Wanda moore cilivian
Friend

October 10, 2021

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Humphrey.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 23, 2019

Continue to rest in eternal peace my brother.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

October 9, 2016

My dad and uncle both served with Toby at the Stafford Sheriff's office so as a very small child I was around him often. In those days the officers and their families spent lots of time together, celebrating holidays, cooking out and just visiting. Toby was an important part of our family and was one of the officers I can say taught me to respect my parents, the law and others. He was and will always be a role model I will keep in my heart forever. He was too young but any who knew him will keep his memory alive and share stories, thoughts and prayers of him. We miss you Toby ❤

Tonya (Emond) Galyen
family friend

June 10, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. 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 the solace of all that call you beloved, especially your sister, for I know both the pain and pride are forever. You and your family were denied the justice that was deserved for a sentence that resulted in your killer serving only eight years for your murder was woefully inadequate.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 6, 2013

Martha, I wish I was able to say I knew your brother. I do want you to know that he along with the rest of those who have been lost in the line of duty are and will always be remembered. Their sacrifice, and yours is enormous, but we will never forget them. I along with the rest of the Law Enforcement United will remember him as we ride from Chesapeake, VA May 10th enroute to DC. We will stop in Stafford County and remember him, Deputy Ridings (Spotsylvania) and Deputy Mooney (Stafford). May God bring you peace! Chaplain Jim Ullian, LEU

Deputy Sheriff James Ullian
Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office & Chaplain ~ Law Enforcement United

May 8, 2013

If I could write you a letter, and mail it to heaven, how would I be able to say all the things that I would want you to know? I miss you, my brother. Thirty three years is a long time to have to live with this empty space in my heart. I guess I still feel like I was robbed. I declare that nephew of yours favors you so much in ways I'm sure no one else but your family and close friends can see. He has your stature and your sense of humor, and that kind and loving spirit. He carries your middle name and has been raised to know that it was passed to him to honor you, and that it is to be considered an honor to bare it.
He has been robbed too. He never got to know you growing up. All he has is pictures and newspaper clippings of a hero who passed before he got the chance to know you, and a Mom full of stories of our youth, and your valor. Most remember you as that. But what I remember is two kids playing cops and robbers in old raggy clothes, with no shoes or playing with toy cars out back in the shade. I think maybe down deep you always knew what you wanted to do with your life. I remember a friend that built us steps into a tree house, where we could hide and eat the tomatoes that we stole from the garden when Momma wasn't looking. There has never been one moment in time that I was not proud that Toby Humphrey was my big brother. And never a moment that I have not felt lifted by the kind words of so many that knew you and respected you so very much. I still feel you here, around me, every day. This October, I will be there, to visit your gravesite. I know that you are not really there, and that you are resting in peace with our Heavenly Father. But you are still here as well, with me, safe in my heart. I know that one day we will see each other again. And one day, Charles Tyson, will as well. I love you.

Martha Humphrey Queen
Sister

September 3, 2012

Today, June 12, 2008, as I mourn the loss of Todd Bahr of the Fredericksburg Police Department my mother told me of your murder 28 years ago. She went to school with you and your wife. I want to let you know that the ultimate sacrifice that you made has not been forgotten, and never will be.
Godspeed,
Camden Bullock, EMT

Camden Bullock, EMT
Prot Royal VFD

June 12, 2008

Toby was a friendly and likeable young man that was taken from us far too early. I counted him among my friends and I miss him and have thought of him many times over the years. I have many fond memories of the time that I worked with him. He was always willing to lend a hand regardless of the nature of the call. Toby was having coffee with Trooper K.W. Smith and myself moments before his death. It was shift change and we were swapping stories as cops do when he got the call to respond to a domestic call. Toby declined our offers to go with him, knowing that we had just finished a long 3 to 11 shift. He bolted out the door with his usual enthusiasm for his job and answered his final call for the citizens of Stafford. I never saw him again. I wish that I had ignored him and just responded with him, maybe things would have turned out differently. I'm proud to have known Toby, he was truly one of the good guys.

Dave George-Former Trooper
Virginia State Ppolice

April 16, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

Toby,

Many times over the past 27 years, I have paused on the anniversary of your death and thought of you. You really were a great friend to me, and I missed you terribly for a long time. Now I have a 24-year-old son, Mark, who just lost one of his best friends, Stafford County Deputy Jason Mooney, in an auto accident while on duty on October 19, 2007. He is going through the same horrible pain over losing Jason as I did so long ago over losing you. It really is difficult seeing your own child go through such painful grieving. Jason spent many hours at my house over the last 9 years, and I always considered him my "son." His passing reminded me again of you and the ultimate sacrifice you made in the line of duty. You were both such great guys, and were both way too young. Now every October will be doubly painful for me as I remember TWO fallen heroes, both of them my good friends. Continue to rest in peace, my dear friend.

Love,
Alea

Alea Mack Reed
Old friend

October 25, 2007

Ford,

Thanks for your service You Are Not Forgotten!

va cop

October 24, 2007

On the a aniversary of your death we remember you and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Civilian
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

Thanks for serving your community and our nation. May God continue to bless your family, friends and department.

Patrol Officer
Chesterfield County Police Department, VA.

October 9, 2006

Eight years for the man who caused your death, a life sentence for your family...hardly fair.May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord Bless your loved ones.

October 9, 2006

Toby,
I'm thinking about you as I am in the twilight of my law enforcement career. We sat next to each other in basic training at the academy (NVCJA). It's hard to imagine that it was that many years ago. I will never forget my feelings of despair at your funeral. The events of your brutal murder made an everlasting impact on me and shaped the type of policeman that I became. For many years I wore your name and your end of tour date on my wrist in the way of a memorial band. By wearing it I felt that you were still with me 24/7 on the job. I was proud to answer inquiries about you and its symbolic meaning. Two years ago while deployed in a foriegn land supporting Operation Enduring Freedom I lost the treasured band and never found it. I felt terrible but came to terms believing that maybe the loss had somehow allowed you to finally end your tour and rest in peace. Well my brother take care and rest assured that you will never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis, George

Lieutenant G. K. Noteman
Albemarle County Police, VA

February 25, 2006

Thank you for making Stafford County a safer place. You have made an enormous impression on all that knows you. Rest in Peace!

Officer Ishmael
AHPD

December 27, 2005

How sad my brother, you gave your life for others and your killer walked after ONLY eight years. It makes it real hard to belive our system is working. Well anyway, 25 years ago today you gave you life foe us. You will never be forgotten.

patrol

October 9, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Humphrey,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. I think it's a crime that the scum who murdered you only did 8 years of a 21 year sentence.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 9, 2005

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

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

April 26, 2005

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.