Thomas W. Pitkin

Can't believe it has been five years since we lost Tom. Good memories all the way from the Malibu Beach Team to working-out tips in the station gym. May he continue to be remembered and rip.

My first memory of Tom was when I was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Malibu Station in February, 1978. That was a period on the department when you were a deputy sheriff Saturday night and a sergeant Sunday morning at your new unit of assignment.

At all LA Sheriff's patrol stations, there are two sergeants assigned to supervise a shift. One assigned inside the station as Watch Sergeant and one assigned as a Patrol Sergeant.

When I walked in the back door carrying my uniform and patrol gear, I met Tom who was working as the day watch sergeant. He was half hung over from some Saturday night activities and just looked up from the desk as I introduced myself.

He tossed me a set of car keys and said "you're in the field today, I'm inside". I asked if he had a locker assigned for me and he said "no, just change in the locker room and talk to the admin sergeant tomorrow". I knew we were going to be good friends immediately.

Tom was one of those intelligent, experienced officers that had fun where ever he went. His nickname was right out of a Joe Wambaugh police novel and he lived up to his colorful reputation. When I transferred out of Malibu, I took the nickname he gave me for the rest of my career. "Boom".

I'm sure a lot of officers will agree with me when I say it was an honor to get a nickname from Tom, aka Tail Spin Tommy.

Jim Smith
Malibu 1978 -1981

I´m Chris from Malibu. Mr. Pitkin was the best. I grew up and played ball with his sons Doug and Jerry.
Mr. Pitkin was legendary and I wish I had a chance to say bye to him. Those that knew Mr. Pitkin have to remember that one of a kind smile he possessed. He knew I had a rough life at home and he would ALWAYS make sure I was getting by. He helped me get a scholarship to Crossroads in SM. Still wish you were here.

What a swell guy your Dad was! We had great times together on& off duty Of all the staff at Malibu station , no one is so fondly remembered.

Dear Doug & Jerry,

My deepest condolences to you both. Your father was a very close friend of mine as well as my ex-husband Woody. To me Tommy was it very happy go lucky person and a delight to be around I enjoyed his company when ever I saw him. He was also a very kind and helpful person, he help me whenever I needed help. In fact I think my daughter Lisajo used to watch over you two when your Dad had something to do. That wasn't very often, you two were pretty much old enough to take care of yourself and you are good guys.
I am so sorry for your loss, losing a parent will be the most difficult thing you will ever face. I know it was for me. But in time the hurt will go away and you will remember him like the way he was only. You will only remember the deep love and affection you had for each other, more than anything else all the fun trips you all had together. I know you guys had a lot of trips that were much fun with your Dad! I wish you the very best for both of you in the many years to come and all the happiness that has in front of you both.

Vivian L Woodworth & Lisajo McGee

PS
Just in case you don't remember me, Lisajo and I who live down the street from you in space 203 in Paradise Cove in Malibu. (from 1971 to 1986)

Tom and his Crew.

Sgt Tom Pitkin, thank you for mentoring me all those years at Malibu Station. You were a true original. I will always remember your motto, the most important thing in this job is to make thru your shift and get home safe !! Rest in Peace my friend.

Tom you were and always will be my best friend love ya always! Colin

I always remember going to "Paradise Cove" and hanging out at your house with Val....Much love to all of your fam...
Pam

Dear Doug and Jerry,
Thinking of you and your Family and sending lots of Love on this very sad time. The last time I got to see you and your Dad was the Chad Dinner at the Smokehouse in Toluca Lake, now they can say hello again...

Thank you, Tom, for all your kindnesses to Chad and I when we lived in Malibu. Doug and Jerry, we have the Annual Chad Volleyball Tourney every year, would love to see you. www.chadfoundation.org

PS I know your pop really must have enjoyed the grandkids. Your Dad will be missed and cherished by so many.

Love and Comfort,
Arista (Burtrum)
[email protected]

No need to say goodbye Tom.. Ill just say see you later. You are the real deal and it was my privilege to have worked with you at the 'Bu

Cam

Sgt. Pitkin wil be dearly missed. He was one of my Sergeants at Malibu in the 70's. I was told to not address him as Sir. (I was a new Patrol Deputy)Tommy was kind, funny and didn't have a mean bone in his body..I'm not sure there was any filter between his brain and his mouth.
One night of beer drinking inspired us to dump beer on his car, which kind of turned black overnight due to the stuck flies.
Actually,Jim Smith, it was boom boom that you were nicknamed by Tommie. I was there when you blew a hole in the radio car trunk as you took the shotgun from us doubting our abilities.
Those were the days,
God Bless, Tommie

Condolences to you and your family

"Tailspin Tommy" was indeed an ace pilot. I had the distinct privilege to fly with Tommy when I started as an observer at Aero Bureau in 1971. I spent a lot of time in the heliocopter with him flying the Argus patrol and he was part of the aircraft. Shortly after I became a pilot, Tommy promoted to Sergeant and went to Malibu. I saw him periodically over the years and he never changed. Loved his job and maintained his terrific sense of humor. He will be missed!!.

Sgt. Pitkin was my sergeant at Malibu Sheriff's Station from 1980-1984.
Vicky Jelalian McKown
Tom was also Jon McKown's Sgt. a couple years later.
He was much admired and will be missed by all.
Our deepest condolences to the family.

I worked with Tommy at Malibu for a number of years. He was a Friend and a good Supervisor. He will be remember by all that had the honor to know Him.

Wendy,Val,Doug and Jerry,
I am so sorry for the loss of Dad. What a character he was. I have such great memories of spending time in the summer with Wendy at your Dads in Malibu. And the Winchester happy hours. He will be missed. May you all find peace knowing he is no longer suffering. Love you all.

Over the years, I occasionally drive through Malibu,the first name that always comes to mind is Sgt. Tommy Pitkin, beach team, Malibu Inn and Paradise Cove. Tommy was truly respected and loved by all the deputies he worked with. God bless you Tommy and your family.

My late husband, Richard, was a member of the LA County Sheriff's Reserve, and so I like to think of these two "Old Cops" sharing some reminiscences in that Special Place. Those stories are, and were, very special.

A Malibu legend has passed. Had the pleasure of working for Tommy during the summers of 85/86. May God Bless his fun loving soul. Rest In Peace Sir!!

I sit here stunned....what a wonderful person we have lost. I spent many wonderful summers working for Tommy, joyful times with a great friend.

Jeff Elfont

A legend has earned his wings. Tailgate Tommy has left the building. One of the most stand-up guys I had to pleasure to know on the LA Sheriff's department.

I have many memories of Tom, but one of most most favorite. that's shareable, is when I was first promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Malibu on a Sunday morning. The only supervisor at the station was Tom who tossed me a set of car keys and said "you're in the field, I'm too tired", obviously from a late evening the day before.

And of course a nickname that lasted through my career. One accidental shooting and I was branded "Boom" from then on. I'll be at your wake old friend.

Jimmy "Boom" Smith

Sgt. Tom Pitkin was a legend at Malibu Station.

I was fortunate to work under his command in the mid 1980s while on loan to the Beach Team.

Tom was the finest Sgt I had ever work for. He provided excellent mentoring to many young deputies. He will be missed by all.

There is not much that can be said to soften your grief. I didn't know Tom but he is in a better place and sometimes the Lord allows the Good to move on before we would like them to.

My prayers are with you and your family...A Retired LASD Deputy.