Tom began his law enforcement career with the Amarillo, Texas Police Department in 1970. He spent a total of 30 years with the department. During that time he was assigned to the uniform patrol division as a patrol officer, corporal, uniform sergeant, later serving as a SWAT member, sniper and sergeant. Additional assignments were as a sergeant in charge of the crime prevention unit, school resource officers and public information officer for the department. Tom served as a detective sergeant assigned to the crimes against persons squad robbery detail, and as a detective assigned to the special crimes unit which investigated homicide and cold cases in a three county area. He volunteered and served as a hostage negotiations officer over 7 years, and as a firearms instructor for over 10 years. During his time with Amarillo Tom attended the Smith & Wesson Armorer’s School, the National Crime Prevention Institute and the F.B.I. SWAT school in Quantico, Virginia. He retired from the department in 2000.
In September of 2000, Tom accepted the position of Captain with the Juneau, Alaska Police Department. He remained in that position until he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, spending a total of 7 years with Juneau.
From 2010 until 2013, Tom worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as a contract employee in Pakistan and Bangladesh, instructing police officers from the constable level to the senior management levels.
In 2013, he accepted a position as a contract employee court security officer with the U.S. Marshal’s Service at the Anchorage Alaska Federal Courthouse. He provided direct, armed security for the Federal Judges as well as security at screening posts into the court facility. He retired in December 2018.
In September of 2000, Tom accepted the position of Captain with the Juneau, Alaska Police Department. He remained in that position until he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, spending a total of 7 years with Juneau.
From 2010 until 2013, Tom worked for the U.S. Department of Justice as a contract employee in Pakistan and Bangladesh, instructing police officers from the constable level to the senior management levels.
In 2013, he accepted a position as a contract employee court security officer with the U.S. Marshal’s Service at the Anchorage Alaska Federal Courthouse. He provided direct, armed security for the Federal Judges as well as security at screening posts into the court facility. He retired in December 2018.