David J. Tolsma served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years and 11 months. David served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Patrol Officer David Tolsma was shot and killed around 1 a.m. while responding to a robbery call at a Holiday Inn hotel on Genesee Street. The suspect, 23, was an escapee who had been on the run for three days. He was captured 13 hours after murdering Officer Tolsma, and sentenced to 25 years to life. An accomplice, 25 was also sentenced to 25 years to life. The accomplice was paroled on December 28, 2015. The other suspect was paroled on March 4, 2020. Officer Tolsma was a U.S. Navy veteran of four years and had served with the Cheektowaga Police Department for six years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrol Officer Tolsma gave the Cheektowaga Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cheektowaga community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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