A fallen officer in Two Rivers is still remembered for the sacrifice he made half a century later.
It was yesterday, September 10th, that marked 50 years since 24-year-old Police Officer Thomas Dodge was killed in the line of duty in the Cool City.
The Two Rivers Police Department held a ceremony to remember Dodge, who not only had a passion for policing but was also a devoted father, husband, and sports enthusiast.
Police Chief Ben Meinnert explained that Dodge was shot and killed after being called for a welfare check on the city’s south side.
The suspect was found not competent and was sentenced to a state mental health facility, where he died.
Meinnert says Dodge’s name still comes up when people talk to him, even though he wasn’t around while he was alive.
Wife of the fallen officer, Therese Dodge, and her son, Ryan, then took to the podium to thank everyone for coming out to remember Thomas.
She explained that she wasn’t surprised that the community came out in support.
“This community is so close, and they are just so wonderful,” she explained. “They’ve helped me so much through these last 50 years, as my family, as my friends. They’ve been wonderful.”
She says Dodge devoted his time to his police work because he loved it that much.
She says that’s true even after his death.
“Though he’s not here with us anymore, he’s still helping people,” she noted. “Because of him, things were changed. (They have) protective vests now. And they (the officers) also have extra training.”
She then thanked everyone who had supported her over the years, including Two Rivers, her family, and friends.
Other speakers from the event included Former Police Chief Randy Ammerman, who worked with Officer Dodge at the time.
He said back then, the police department didn’t take the time to process what had happened, which left many officers without closure.
He concluded his speech with a poem from another fallen officer, reminding those present never to forget what the police do for the community.
Officer Dodge is recognized at Two Rivers City Hall with a picture and memorial along with fellow fallen Officer Leo Rocque, who died in the line of duty in 1926.
Two Rivers Police Squad Cars also display a copy of both their police badges on the back of their vehicles.
