Gahl, Thomas Eric: Death in the Line of Duty - Notice and MemorialsCirumstances surrounding the death of Tom Gahl and the pursuit of his killer have been detailed in Alec Wilkinson, Annals of Crime, “A Violent Act,” Parts I and II, The New Yorker, June 8 and June 15, 1992.-Ed.'s Note.
"On Monday, September 22, 1986, United States Probation Officer Thomas E. Gahl, age 38, of Indianapolis, Indiana was killed by a person under his supervision while making a home visit in the Southern District of Indiana." -Donald L. Chamlee, Memorandum to the Field, September 23, 1986.
Memorial Service – September 26, 1986
“A memorial service for U.S. Probation Officer Thomas E. Gahl was held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, on September 26, 1986. Mourners quickly exceeded seating capacity in the church sanctuary, and filled the aisles and corridors before spilling out the front door. Chief of Probation Donald L. Chamlee traveled from Washington, D.C., to represent the Federal Probation System along with officers from various other districts including Illinois (Northern, Central, and Southern), Indiana (Northern), Ohio (Southern), and Tennessee (Middle). U.S. Probation Officers for the Southern District of Indiana sat directly behind the Gahl family, and wore small black ribbons in recognition of their coworker and friend. Reverend Harry N. Huxhold conducted the service in memory of Tom whom he called a "precious saint," adding: "We can be sure he was precious to God in every way." Tom's wife, Nancy, wept quietly during the ceremony as she clutched Nicholas and Christopher, their two sons. Following the service, Tom's wife and family personally greeted the mourners who waited in line for as long as 3 hours to offer their condolences.” News and Views, Vol. XI, No. 21, October 20, 1986.
Co-Workers Remember
"Most of us go through cycles, periods, and changes. The remarkable thing about Tom was he always remained the same person. He never varied his beliefs and principles. Tom always stood for something so fine and so true. When you lose a guy like that, it tears something from within which you can never replace.- A Coworker
“The United States Probation System honors Thomas E. Gahl who was killed in the line of duty on September 22, 1986. Tom was a fine and dedicated United States probation officer who had served the Southern District of Indiana with distinction since 1975. He was also our colleague and a friend. His tragic death at 38 by the hands of a probationer whom he sought to help has caused great shock, sadness, and outrage throughout the Probation Service. Our focus is on Tom, the student who completed a bachelor of arts in sociology at Augustana College and was awarded a master of science in criminology from Indiana State University; the serviceman who attained the rank of first lieutenant as a tank commander during honorable service with the Marine Corps; the public servant who toiled as a welfare case worker and correctional officer intern before his appointment as a United States probation officer; and the good citizen who coached Little League and served as president of his church congregation. We should also be mindful of those Tom left behind since family was such a significant aspect of his life. Tom was a devoted husband to his wife, Nancy, who was part of his being for 12 years, and a loving father to his young sons, Christopher and Nicholas, whose lives will never be the same. Tom is also survived by his mother, Lois, and a brother, Robert. Only the death of Tom's father last month spared him the pain of this senseless tragedy.” News and Views, Vol. XI, No. 20, October 6, 1986
AN OPEN LETTER TO FRIENDS – From Nancy Gahl
“To Our Many U.S. Probation Officer Friends,
“It is with deep gratitude that we accept your generous contributions to our boys' fund. The outpouring of thoughtfulness and concern from Probation Offices around the country has been overwhelming. We truly feel we are part of a very sensitive, caring family who is sharing our sorrow with us.
“The many letters of sympathy, the empathy with our loss, and the offering of prayers on our behalf was a great comfort to us and a tribute to Tom. We have kept all your letters and cards. When our boys get older and re-read them, they will be very proud that their Dad was a United States Probation Officer, and was associated with such a sterling group of people.
“We are grateful for your continued support and prayers. May God keep all of you safe.
Nancy Gahl
Christopher & Nicholas”
Memorial Ceremony for Thomas Eric Gahl, United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana. February 27, 1987, 2:00PM. U.S. Courthouse, Indianapolis, Indiana:
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: Good afternoon. As you know, the Court lost one of its valuable people last September; and we think it only fitting and proper that we should have this brief memorial service in his honor.
Former Chief Judge Steckler had intended to preside on this occasion, which would have been only fitting and proper since he appointed Tom Gahl as our probation officer in the first place and shored his faith in the Lutheran church. But it's impossible for Judge Steckler
to be here this afternoon, so I am presiding in his stead.
Thomas Eric Gahl was born and raised in the university community of Valparaiso, Indiana where his father was on the faculty of Valparaiso University. After graduating from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where he played football, Tom served in the Marine Corps obtaining the rank of first lieutenant as a tank commander.
Following military service, he obtained a masters degree in criminology at Indiana State University. He worked as a welfare caseworker and correctional officer before being appointed a United States probation officer in this court on March 14, 1975. And he served our district thereafter until his death.
When probationers expressed gratitude for the service Tom gave them, as many of them did, they typically described him as insightful, accepting, and helpful. Consistently they commented that his low key approach and faithfulness to them had been especially effective.
Tom's manner was also appreciated by friends, neighbors, and coworkers in a variety of other endeavors that commanded his attention. Tom and his wife, Nancy, who were married in 1974, were highly regarded as on exemplary couple in the neighborhood school and church activities. The parents of two sons, Christopher and Nicholas, they were standouts in parent-teacher activities at Christopher's school.
Tom shared his enthusiasm for sports with Nancy and their sons. As an example of his feeling for the underdog, they frequently attended Cubs and Colts games in Chicago and Indianapolis. He tutored the boys in sports activities and served as coach for the neighborhood little league, meanwhile keeping up his own athletic activities in his church's basketball and softball programs.
His grandfather and uncle had both been ministers in the Lutheran church. And their influence on his life is illustrated by the fact that he served from time to time in just about every capacity in the congregation of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church here in Indianapolis as elder, trustee, and president of the congregation. He also taught Sunday school and served as president of the Neighborhood Council of Churches and served on a committee of the Indianapolis Church Foundation and an interchurch committee on housing called Homes of Hope. This does not mean, however, that he did not enjoy an occasional beer with his colleagues after work.
His contributions to his home, government, community, and church were enhanced by his sensitive approach to people. He was as equally at home with his peers as with young people or his elders. He and Nancy would frequently socialize with staff members and join in office-sponsored family activities.
We feel that in the loss of Tom Gahl, a truly religious person, a devoted family man, and a professional probation officer in every sense of the word, this district has suffered a great loss; and we miss him.
As I said, Judge Steckler was not able to be here this afternoon; but the other two judges of the Indianapolis Division are present. And, Judge Noland, would you like to say a word at this time.
JUDGE NOLAND: Judge Dillin, Judge Barker, honored guests:
We are gathered here to do honor to the memory of Probation Officer Thomas E. Gahl. It is very fitting that our chief probation officer, Frank Hall, and Tom's other colleagues have initiated presentation of a memorial plaque on behalf of the entire court including the judges of the Southern District of Indiana.
As it is often said, mere words are inadequate to express the high regard which all of us had for Thomas Gahl. He was a highly dedicated and professional probation officer whose loyalty and excellent service to this court ore sorely missed.
To speak personally for a moment, our probation office is a great asset to our judges in determining a proper sentence or disposition of the many criminal defendants who come before us. I have valued the opportunity to receive both written and verbal reports from our probation officers over the years.
This is especially true of the personal conferences which I had with Tom Gahl. He had great insight, good judgment, and was able to assist me and I am sure my colleagues with the kind of analysis or report that would help us better perform the task of sentencing criminal defendants.
We also recognize his ability and strength in the other part of his task as supervising the probationers to cause them to perform better than they would have otherwise. I was so impressed by the words of the Lutheran pastor, Harry Huxhold, at the church service last September when he characterized Tom -- and I would like to repeat his words about him -- "as one of our precious saints who practiced mercy in the world; as one of the diligent persons who practiced the covenant of God by embracing liability and obligation for the world in all of its social relationships."
He said, "That was our Tom, a faithful son, a model husband, an exemplary father, a dutiful citizen, professional worker in every way, a concerned church leader. But in each of these roles, he was a faithful child and a servant of God."
It is only fitting and proper that all of us join in the presentation of this memorial plaque for Thomas E. Gahl, our faithful friend and valued probation officer. And I am honored to participate in this service at this time.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: Thank you, Judge Noland. Judge Barker.
JUDGE SARAH EVANS BARKER: Judge Dillin, this is tough duty. I couldn't get through reminiscences, so I will do my best. I was with Nancy earlier in the week, and we ran into Mayor Hudnut. Mayor Hudnut, after I made the explanation and the introduction, said to Nancy nothing. But he embraced her. That's where we are, Nancy.. .{Judge Barker was unable to continue).
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: I don't think we could have a more sincere tribute than that. Of course, in carrying out his duties, Tom interacted with various other departments of the government including the United States Attorney's Office. And we would like to recognize John Daniel Tinder at this time, U.S. Attorney.
JOHN DANIEL TINDER: Thank you, Judge, and other Judges. And for once I will be brief. It is clear that the feelings and the emotions that we all have about Tom defy human expression. The phrase "words being inadequate" is most true in this context. No plaque, no award, nothing can truly represent the feelings that we had and have for Tom. Nancy, Nicholas, and Christopher, we are so pleased you could be here. And I hope as the years go by, you realize the sincerity of our expressions.
Perhaps it's only now that we are beginning to realize the effect that Tom had on each one of us who worked with him. I feel privileged having worked with Tom both as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney and, surprisingly enough, on the other side of the fence as a defense lawyer. I felt that I was treated as fairly, as honestly, as patiently, and consistently on both sides of the fence. And I don't think I was treated any differently than any other lawyer. And for that, I was quite pleased.
We are now beginning to understand the impressions and the feelings and the meanings that he left with us. And perhaps the best tribute that we can pay to Tom is as we go through our lives, if we carry his honesty, his patience, his love for his family, his church, and his fellow man with us in each thing we do and we bring that to our lives and to the lives of others, it's the best tribute we can pay. Thank you.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: Thank you. We are especially pleased that John could be here today because he has had quite recently a loss in his own family.
At this time, I would like to recognize Mr. William Ervin, special agent in charge of the FBI.
WILLIAM ERVIN: Thank you, Judge. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Tom Gahl, but many of our agents did. And, in particular, Jack Osborne became a very close friend. During the tragedy and thereafter, I came to know a great deal about Tom and his work. And well within the regulations that controlled the probations functions, Tom was of enormous assistance to us. He was an ornament to his profession as he would have been to anyone in low enforcement.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: Thank you. One who has been a colleague of Tom Gahl over the years is Ralph Morgan, United States Marshal.
RALPH MORGAN: Judge Dillin, Judge Noland, Judge Barker, guests:
I come here on behalf of the United States Marshal Service, but more particularly all of us in the Marshal’s office here in Indianapolis and in Southern Indiana to pay tribute to a friend and a fellow officer, Thomas Eric Gahl. When I was invited to say a few words today, my first thought was I was not socially acquainted with Tom. I knew Tom as on officer of the Court. I knew Tom as a quiet, polite, cooperative, and dependable person with a very businesslike approach to his work.
When inquiring in the office about Tom, all of the foregoing was echoed. Only a few days before his untimely death, I was entering the office as Tom was leaving. He held the door open and I asked him, "Did you get all that you needed?" His answer was, "Yes, thank you."
An outstanding representative of the United States Probation Office, that was Tom Gahl.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: Thank you, Ralph. At this time, I would like to recognize Dennis Duvall, U.S. Probation Officer for a presentation.
DENNIS DUVALL: Thank you, Judge. First I would like to thank Nancy and Christopher and Nicholas for allowing the Court and the probation office to express a few thoughts today. I would like to thank Mr. Hall for saying a few words both as a co-worker with Tom and as a representative of the Federal Probation Officers Association.
The Federal Probation Officers Association basically is composed of, as a matter of explanation, officers throughout the country: pretrial services, U.S. probation officers, and others similarly situated. They attempt to voice the concerns and the needs of the federal probation officers to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and on occasion to Congress.
Southern Indiana is located within the Great Lakes Region, which consists of the judicial districts within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan. There are several hundred officers in these states.
Annually the Great Lakes Region of the FPOA recognizes a line officer by means of a regional line officer award. The objective of the award is to commemorate and to perpetuate the ideals of outstanding performance in the field of federal probation and to recognize and acquaint the public with the work being done within the federal Probation system. The recipient of the regional award becomes nominated for the Doyle Award which, within the federal probation system, is the highest award a field officer can attain. The regional line officer award is given to an officer who has demonstrated the virtues of dedication, compassion, perseverance, and integrity.
The officer exceeds the customary administrative requirements of his work by giving unselfishly of his time, his talent, and his energy to enhance the lives of others. The recipient of the award should inspire others by his communicating enthusiasm, leadership, and professional standards. The officer's response in time of need has earned him the respect of the community and in particularly of his fellow workers.
In October of 1986, the Federal Probation Officers' executive committee met in Florida and issued the following:
"In memory Thomas E. Gahl. Thomas E. Gahl, our colleague and friend, was killed in the line of duty on September 22nd, 1986. Tom was a fine and dedicated United States Probation Officer who had served the Southern District of Indiana with distinction from 1975 until his death.
"The Great Lakes Regional Line Officer Award was established as an annual award to be presented to a federal probation officer in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Federal Probation Service.
"It is hereby proclaimed that as of January 1st, 1987, and continuing every year thereafter, this award shall be known as the Thomas E. Gahl Memorial Award." Approved by the executive committee October 17th, 1986.
In addition, I would like to present this to Nancy, Christopher, and to Nicholas on behalf of Tom. The inscription reads, "Federal Probation Officers Association, Great Lakes Regional Line Officer Award 1986, Thomas E. Gahl, Indianapolis, Indiana."
JUDGE S, HUGH DILLIN: The Court will now recognize its Chief Clerk, John A. O'Neal, for another presentation.
JOHN A. O'NEAL: May it please the Court, Judge Dillin, Judge Noland, Judge Barker:
It is my privilege, on behalf of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, to present this plaque to the United States Probation Service where we hope you will display it in memory of our friend and associate, Tom Gahl.
FRANK HALL: Thank you. I would like to make special note of the aid that I have received by U.S. Probation Officer Doug Wathen and U.S. Probation Officer Barbara Roembke in preparation of this award as well as Criminal Investigator Roger Merkel of the IRS who aided in artistry. At this time, I would like to show the plaque to the family and present it. I am going to attempt to read this. You will have to bear with me if there is some hesitation in my voice.
Today with appropriate reference, we are honoring a friend and fellow officer, Thomas Eric Gahl, with tributes directed to his wife, his sons, and his family. It is important for all present to know Tom was a United States Probation Officer who was clearly identified by his badge and credentials while on and off duty. While serving as a Probation officer, he represented a young and unique profession in the judicial system.
The probation system was promulgated by statute in 1927. Initially there were only two federal probation officers covering 48 states. In the wisdom of the judiciary, members perceived an increasing need for probation officers. Now the number is approximately 2,000 spanning 50 states as well as U.S. territories in Puerto Rico, Guam, and other Pacific islands.
By several statutes, federal probation officers are one of the few judicial employees classified as law enforcement officers with the power of arrest, and thus the badge and credentials. Needless to say, that authority is not taken lightly. Most probation officers, like Tom, philosophically had leanings toward the helping aspect of our profession.
Educating probationers and parolees on housing, medical care, family and marital counseling, drug and alcohol treatment are just some of the areas in which Tom was a daily expert. Tom was committed to preventing future criminal activities by channeling his personal and professional energies toward aiding those less fortunate than himself.
Only those in the probation field and the Judiciary are fully aware of our responsibilities. And in that vein, I wish to share with you part of the meaning of our badge and credentials. We instruct probationers and parolees in written conditions of release which are imposed by the court, parole commission, or the military.
We are required to keep informed as to the conduct and behavior of probationers and parolees, reporting to the appropriate jurisdiction. The probation officer is to use all suitable methods not inconsistent with conditions or rules to aid the probationer or parolee and bring about improvements in his conduct and condition. The probation officer is responsible for the supervision of his case load and has to maintain a record of activities associated with the case load.
We are required to keep informed of the conduct, condition, and compliance with fines and restitution as ordered by the Court. We are to report any failure of the probationer or parolee to abide by the written conditions.
And finally, a United States Probation Officer is required to make a presentence investigation of all defendants before imposition of a sentence and is to report the results of the investigation to the Court. In addition to these specific duties, officers also conduct investigations for other District Courts, Magistrates, the Bureau of Prisons, and the Parole Commission. Although paraphrased, these are just a few of the statutory duties Tom performed.
The tools used by probation officers to comply with the statutory duties range from wit, intelligence, and firmness to a whole lot of common sense and compassion. Tom had these qualities. With the use of these tools and with his badge and credentials, he fulfilled his legal obligations in the highest possible manner -- by the loss of his life -- in the performance of his duty.
The United States Probation Officers credentials read, "The Probation System. This is to certify that Thomas E. Gahl, whose signature and photograph appear below, is duly appointed as a United States Probation Officer and is the official representative of the United States Courts and the Department of Justice in the performance of his duty in connection with probation and parole."
To Nancy and sons Christopher and Nicholas, the United States probation office for the Southern District of Indiana humbly presents the retired badge and credentials of Thomas Eric Gahl.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: That concludes the presentations. I regret that I have not been furnished with a list of all of the members of the Gahl family who are here today. But we invite any and all of you, who might care to do so, to express any thoughts or feelings that you might wish to express at this time. Do you have something, Nancy?
NANCY GAHL: This has been a beautiful farewell that you have bid to Tom today. He would have been quite embarrassed. The boys and I are very proud.
Throughout our tragedy, we have felt an abundant outpouring of love and concern from our family and friends and from the entire Court family. For all of your kindness, we are very grateful. It has been a great comfort to us and a tribute to Tom.
I have appreciated all of you who have shared some of your personal and professional dealings with Tom. It's important for me now and for our boys to hear and to see the good that Tom did because they have been so consumed with the violence. For ail of you who continue to secure
justice, it is my prayer that God gives you wisdom and understanding and an extra measure of love and that He holds you with His safekeeping. God's blessings to all of you. And thank you, very much.
JUDGE S. HUGH DILLIN: We certainly thank you for those words, and we will now be adjourned. However, there will be a reception in the Probation Office, Room 323, immediately following.
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