An officer with the Richardson Police Department has died, leaving a legacy as a “mentor and friend to all.”
Richardson Police Lt. Thomas Koch died of cancer October 24, according to a press release from the department. He served the community for 16 years and left behind a wife and four children.
Public Information Officer Mike Wieczorek told The Dallas Express that Koch joined the department in April 2009. He won Rookie Of The Year in 2010 and Sworn Supervisor Of The Year in 2023.
Koch served in the patrol division with the Crisis Intervention Team, and in the Hostage Negotiator Unit – first as an officer, then as a supervisor.
“Those specialized units are an example of his dedication to help people that were experiencing a mental health crisis and his skill at de-escalating emergency situations,” Wieczorek told DX.
Richardson police officials called his death a “tremendous loss” for the department and community, and asked residents to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers. They said Koch served the department with “honor, dedication, and compassion.”
“He was not only a respected leader but also a mentor and friend to all who had the privilege of working beside him,” the department posted. “Koch is survived by his loving wife and four children, who were his greatest source of pride and joy.”
Officials with the Lewisville Police Department offered condolences to Koch’s family and the Richardson police.
“Koch served with honor and courage throughout his 16-year career,” the department posted. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time.”