Patrolman Thomas Alan Bartholomew, 25, of the Kissimmee Police Department, was killed on July 18, 1983, while attempting to rescue a hostage during a domestic disturbance at 510 N Dillingham Avenue. Officers had been called for an armed man who was holding his wife and repeatedly appearing on the front porch with a gun. Bartholomew moved to the front door and, when the suspect came out again, grabbed the wife’s arm to pull her to safety. The suspect shot Bartholomew in the head, killing him instantly. Other officers returned fire and killed the suspect at the scene.

Bartholomew had served with the department for four years and left behind a wife and two daughters. The investigation on scene confirmed the events described and there were no further arrests since the perpetrator died during the exchange of gunfire. Is there anyone who remembers Patrolman Bartholomew or the department’s response that evening and can share details?