Something I wrote a long time ago....



ANOTHER BROTHER LOST
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS JEFFRIES
(1962-1997)
KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY 07/20/97

There is much pomp and circumstance
spit and polish rule the day
Pride and sadness mingle
as we bow our heads to pray

In the chapel once again
to honor a brother lost
A reminder to the world
that freedom has a cost

Rows of men and women
dressed in blue, green, and brown
from many a county,
and each surrounding town

Many words are spoken
about a man I did not know
Somehow I'm affected
more than I can show

We stand as one body
hearts and faces resolute
As we pass by our brother
and give one last salute

Miles of red and blue flashes
blurred by tear filled eyes
Most just drive in silence
while here and there one cries

Tomorrow is for vengeance
and demands that someone pay
But for now the world of judges
seems a million miles away

Standing at the grave side
we take assigned positions
Drawing strength and courage
from comrades and traditions

21 shots are fired
I see the widow start
Just one more reminder
of a newly broken heart

Flags are slowly folded
while pipes play "Amazing Grace"
Tears now freely flowing
as he's lowered into place

Among the tears and sorrow
there is a certain pride
The words "I made a difference"
are what he left behind.

PD Tombleson (1997)


Officer Jeffries was shot three times while
pursuing a suspect who had just shot a
seven year old boy. He was hit in the
hand, the leg, and in the chest, just above
the top of his vest. He returned fire,
wounding the suspect. The suspect was
later apprehended by a K-9 unit. The boy
is recovering from his wounds.

Officer Jeffries died in a local hospital
a short time after the shooting.

The effect on the community was amazing.
It is not often that law enforcement
personnel have an opportunity to witness
public support, but the city of Portland
and the surrounding area drew together
in the wake of Officer Jeffries death.
Many people turned out for the procession
to the memorial service. Local media
covered the event and many people were
deeply moved. In a city not known for
it's public support of the Police, it
was touching to see the outpouring of
concern and affection for Officer Jeffries
and his family.