St. Petersburg Police and Fire Hockey

RIP brother!

Our hearts go out to Retired Sergeant Joe Collins’ family and friends upon hearing of his death.

Joe was an excellent example of who we are and what we are capable of.

Rest in peace, sir.

Go here to read about Joe's career:
https://www.facebook.com/StPetePD/posts/10156375931462770

Sergeant Thomas Baitinger was a typical nice mid-western family man who loved hanging out with his parents and fell completely head over heels for a woman named Paige. And he LOVED animals.

Born on August 28, 1962, Tom grew up in Wisconsin where he sang in his high school’s choir and played trumpet in the band.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science and Law in 1986, he began his law enforcement career as a part-time police dispatcher. He then became a police officer and ultimately a Deputy Sheriff for seven more years in Wisconsin for Dane County Sheriff's Office.

After enduring 33 Wisconsin winters, Tom decided to move to Florida, joining the St. Petersburg Police Department and being sworn in on June 24, 1996.

Tom served as an officer and a detective while dating Paige. They married in 2002 and enjoyed living in the Palmetto area with their fur babies.

Tom always had a joke, a nice thing to say and a big smile on his face… He was that guy who everyone liked. He had a few passions – a juicy burger, golf with buddies, and the Green Bay Packers. He was a Cheese Head through and through!
(Just like when the Packers won the Super Bowl in 2011, we know Tom will be watching the game in Heaven today.)

He had a patience and an understanding way about him which made him a great fi****ms and mobile field force instructor for the department and a student mentor at Gibbs High School. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and became the Field Training supervisor in charge of molding new officers.

Tom was a generous servant, and an exceptional leader.

Throughout his life he sought ways to help others which is exactly what he was doing in the final moments of his life 10 years ago this morning. He courageously gave all he had to give.

He served the citizens of St. Petersburg with distinction, bravery and heroism, ensuring they could live safely and peaceably, enjoying a good quality of life.

His life and love for police work was our Blessing.

It’s not how Tom died that made him a hero, it’s how he lived.

We miss him every day.

K-9 Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz was a Christian man madly in love with his wife, Lorraine. They had three beautiful children, Caleb, Calen and Haylie.

Born on July 14, 1971, Jeff grew up in Mount Kisco, NY then moved down to Florida where he played wide receiver and defensive back on the football team his senior year at Northside Christian School in 1989.

Jeff went on to college at Florida Southern then Palm Beach Atlantic, where he courted Lorainne, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 1993. A short time later, he and Lorainne married.

Quick and agile with a degree in psychology, Jeff was certainly ready for police work. He was sworn in as a St. Petersburg Police Officer on October 4, 1999. His athleticism and level head made him an asset to the SWAT Team, and the Department’s flag football team.

In 2008, Jeff endured the grueling tryout to become a K-9 handler and was chosen to be in the unit. He and “Ace” were an outstanding team.

10 years ago this morning, Jeff and Ace were about to head home after the night shift when he heard the radio call for backup. Without hesitation, he responded, voluntarily assigning himself to support other officers in need… as he had always done.

Jeff gave his life that morning while fulfilling his life’s calling, honorably serving the St. Petersburg Police Department with distinction, bravery and heroism, ensuring the citizens of St. Petersburg could live safely and peaceably, enjoying a good quality of life.
Jeff loved being a police officer.

As a husband, father, son, brother, friend, colleague and police officer, Jeff’s life was filled with purpose and meaning, passion and faith. Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz lived life to its fullest measure . . . and lived it well.

It’s not how Jeff died that made him a hero, it’s how he lived.

We miss him every day.

Calling all Heroes 🗣

Veterans, warriors, teachers, medical staff, fire fighters, and police officers are all invited to join our Lightning Made Hockey Heroes League!

Registration + Info: tbl.co/heroeschl

Huge SHOUTOUT to our Heroes! We appreciate you!

If you’re a Hero, and want to receive more information on next season, head to:

https://www.lightningmadehockey.com/heroesleague

Had a wonderful holiday weekend playing hockey for a great cause, Metropolitan Ministries. Thank you to all that came and played. Great job to the arena and tournament staff to ensure safety and an environment to have great competition.

We are finally semiofficial! Got the practice/game jerseys in yesterday. Next on to socks and a higher quality jersey to fit in with the rest of the teams we would be playing. Just need more funds, would love to thank everyone that did donate so we would be able to have these. We will be showing these off at some upcoming events.

Special thanks to Direct Embroidery & Screen Printing for the great service!

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2020 Stanley Cup!!
GO BOLTS!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING ARE YOUR 2020 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS

IT'S REAL

Congratulations LT. Haemmelmann! Well deserved and a huge asset to the public.