In 1981, Tom fulfilled his longtime dream of becoming a law enforcement officer, when he joined the York Regional Police Service. Tom served the York Region community for 18 years. First in the uniform branch, then as a detective. He was also seconded for three years to a special task force made up of members of various Ontario police services, in order to uncover municipal corruption.
 Many of Tom's fellow officers have commented on his dedication to policing as well as his excellent investigative skills. Tom was also well known as someone who never passed up the opportunity to lighten things up with his practical jokes. We are always so grateful to hear stories that involve Tom's pranks and humour. Tom completed just about every course offered through the police service, along with his certificate in General Police Studies from the University of Western Ontario, in 1986. He completed his Advanced Police Studies at the university level in 1991 at the University of Western Ontario. In 1994, Tom obtained his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Waterloo. Though he loved policing and working as a detective, Tom chose to go on and pursue a law degree in 1996. His intent was to continue to work with YRP, but in the capacity of a lawyer, and to eventually obtain a Master's degree in Law. On June 12, 1998, Tom graduated from Osgoode Law School. In December of 1998 Tom successfully completed the last of his Bar Admission Exams. Sadly, on January 24th, 1999 Tom passed away suddenly, just 5 days after diagnosis of Acute Myloid Leukemia (AML). A few weeks later, on February 26, 1999, Tom was Called to the Bar posthumously at Roy Thompson Hall. This is the only time in the history of the Law Society of Upper Canada that this has ever occurred. Tom had been seriously ill throughout his last year of law school, articling, and taking his Bar Exams, while continuing to work for YRP as a Detective. We remain in awe of his ability to accomplish these goals despite unknowingly battling acute leukemia.
Photos and other related links
|
