In Memory - City of St. Petersburg

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Sergeant Thomas Baitinger August 28, 1962 – January 24, 2011 On the morning of January 24th, Tom heard the radio call for backup . . . officers were down. Without hesitation, Tom responded to the call, and knowing the risk, entered the house to attempt to save fallen fellow officers . . . as he had always done, honorably serving the St. Petersburg Police Department with distinction, bravery and heroism, ensuring the citizens of St. Petersburg could live safely and peaceably, enjoying a good quality of life. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Tom gave his life that morning trying to save the lives of others. Tom loved serving. He loved being a police officer. Born to Kenneth and Lulumarie Baitinger on August 28, 1962, in Madison, Wisconsin, Tom graduated from Middleton High School in 1981, where he sang in the school’s choir and played trumpet in the band. Tom furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1986 with a BS degree in Behavioral Science and Law, a field of study which would serve him well in preparation for his future profession. Tom began his law enforcement career in 1986, serving as a part-time dispatcher with the Monona (WI) and Mount Horeb (WI) Police Departments. Tom began his service as a Police Officer serving part-time with the Cottage Grove (WI) and Fitchburg (WI) Police Departments. In 1988, Tom became a Deputy Sheriff with the
Dane County (WI) Sheriff’s Department, serving for seven years with that agency. After enduring 33 Wisconsin winters, Tom decided to move to Florida, joining the St. Petersburg Police Department as a Police Officer in June 1996. Tom served in various capacities as an Officer and Detective, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004, principally serving in the Field Training Unit, training new officers. Always seeking to better himself, Tom continued his education, earning an MBA degree from St. Leo University in 2008. On July 27, 2002, Tom’s life took a decided turn for the better when he married Paige (Gayzagian) in a ceremony in Dell Prairie, WI. Tom and Paige have enjoyed living in the Palmetto area since that time. Tom enjoyed many interests and activities throughout his life. He enjoyed golf and playing cards with friends. He was a high liability instructor at the Police Academy and a mentor to youth at Gibbs High School. Being a Wisconsinite, one of Tom’s greatest passions was his love for the Green Bay Packers. He wore yellow and green wrist bands in support of his favorite football team and looked forward to seeing them play in the Super Bowl once again. A man of many talents, as a Police Sergeant, Tom was a leader . . . but ultimately, he was a servant. Throughout his life, he sought ways in which he could help others . . . which is exactly what he was doing in his final moments in this life . . . courageously giving all he had to give. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Paige; his parents, Kenneth and Lulumarie; two sisters, Jayne Baitinger- Peterson and Amy Baitinger; brother Kenneth Mark Baitinger; sister-in-law Dawn; three brothers-inlaw, Tony, Lorne and Bruce; six nephews, Jack, Kiel, Robert, Richard, Matthew and Christopher; and five nieces, Caroline, Catherine, Elise, Marjorie and Madeline.
Page 1 and 2: In Memory Sergeant Thomas Baitinger
Page 3: Memorial “Amazing Grace/My Chains
Page 7 and 8: a K-9 officer in December 2008. Jef

In Memory - City of St. Petersburg

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?