Thomas "Tom" Wheatley

Diana, I agree. I still want to pick up the phone and laugh with Tom! Such a light in the lives of so many. He loved you all so much and still does! He was my mentor, hero, trusted leader and dear friend and I miss him every day.

It's hard to believe it's been a year since Tom passed away. I still think to give him a call or send him an email and then realize he's gone. He was a little less than 2 years younger than me and it was always great to share memories from childhood and from our teen years. He was in many ways the star of the family and I was proud to be his big sister. Can't wait until we meet in heaven.

Tom was an amazing man, and was the best brother-in-law a guy could have. He supported me through some very tough times. He had a big heart and the world was a better place when he was in it. He will be deeply missed ,but never forgotten.

How lovely and moving to read these messages. Thank you John Guido, Jose Salcido and all. I learn more about Tom and it eases the pain to hear your memories

I considered Tom a great leader and friend. My brother, John Salcido, died of cancer two years before he was eligible to retire from SJPD. His family, at the time, had enrolled his two sons at Santa Clara University. The untimely death put in jeopardy attending that school. Tom Wheatley, as Chief of SJPD, wrote a letter to the university asking that they help the family. Both boys were granted full scholarships. Tom did not have to be so kind and thoughtful. His Catholic faith showed in...

So many memories over the years. You were one of my first sergeants and we had many adventures together during the YSD days and also later when I was a detective working for you as you rose the command ladder. You always were a man of your word, a mentor, and a stellar cop. Thank you for being there for me during difficult times. You will always be remembered as the BEST OF THE BEST. Godspeed Chief. Watch over the rest of us.

I met Wheat in 1978 when he worked plain clothes catching shoplifters at Gemco Stores in San Jose. We became friends and he eventually wrote me the letter of recommendation for my first Law Enforcement position as a Deputy Sheriff with Santa Cruz Co. Wheat was funny, friendly and always present in any conversation we had. Wheat was dedicated to his profession, willing to put in the long hours, but still always kept his delightfully dry sense of humor. RIP Tom Bryan Lamy

He would call me "Gumba" and I would call him Wheat or "Gumbazzi". That was in the 70's when Tom and I lived together in Santa Clara. Tom could sleep like a rock. When he was accepted into the police academy I used to set my alarm in my room and go into his to wake him up so he could get to the academy on time. I would repeatedly have to re-enter his room and make sure he was up, otherwise he would fall back asleep again...Later on I became a reserve officer and I would ride with Tom on the...

My deepest condolences to the Wheatley family. Tom was a great guy, he will be missed. I knew him from St Joseph´s school. Along wit the family. Crossed paths a lot as life moved as I did events in town, etc. He always stopped and say hi, and check on me and what I was doing.