Slain Officer Remembered As Hero, Procession In Portland Stretches 3 Miles | Officer Thomas Layton Jeffries

https://archive.seattletimes.com/arc...etches-3-miles

Summary:
July 26, 1997

PORTLAND - Slain police Officer Thomas Jeffries was remembered yesterday as a hero and a husband, a role model and a friend, who represented law enforcement at its best.

The procession from the Chiles Center at the University of Portland to the cemetery stretched for more than three miles as hundreds of police officers from as far as Los Angeles, Canada and Montana came to pay last respects.

Jeffries, 35, was the first Portland officer killed in the line of duty since 1979.

Jeffries, who had been with the bureau just over four years, was shot to death Sunday night as he chased a man suspected of wounding 7-year-old Benjamin Ballentine.

Benjamin, who is in fair condition, watched the ceremony on television from his hospital room. The man accused of shooting Jeffries, Antonio Hernandez, 20, is being held without bail on a charge of aggravated murder and two counts of attempted murder.

"Tom Jeffries died in service to his community," Mayor Vera Katz said at the funeral. "He has a very special place in Portland's legacy, and for that he will never be forgotten. He will live with us forever."

Police Chief Charles Moose said Jeffries is a reminder "that we do have real heroes and role models walking among us each and every day."

A letter written to Jeffries by his widow, Vicki, after his death, said: "You would have been a wonderful father, I know. You were the most wonderful husband. I am still so in love with you."
The letter was read at the ceremony.

She is to give birth to their first child in about two months.

The nondenominational service at the University of Portland was led by retired police chaplain Ed Steele, who stood behind the flag-draped casket.

He recalled a small boy who showed up at the funeral home with a small bouquet and a sign that said, simply, "Hero."

"And Tom, you are," Steele said.

Vicki Jeffries requested a few minutes alone with the casket before the procession to the cemetery.

Officers from surrounding jurisdictions filled in for Portland officers who were at the service.