For those of you that didn’t get the chance to meet him, Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Trzcinski was one of those infamous characters known to walk the halls of the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice.  At the end of his career, he was assigned to some of the toughest cases our office had to offer.  Most notably, he convicted the person responsible for the murder of Detroit Police Officer Brian Huff.  (That case may be why the court reporters no longer give us exhibit stickers — he used over 300!)  In the middle of all the stress and chaos, Tom never got flustered and NEVER backed down.  He continued to make the rounds to the new APAs, asking if they needed help and giving them suggestions.

Tragically, Tom passed away at the age of 58 while running with his son on Christmas Eve, 2013.

Tom left behind many legacies.  He would tell you without hesitation that his three children (and now three grandchildren), his great-niece and his wonderful wife, Barb, were his most significant contributions.  One of his other superpowers, in addition to the training he passed on to many of us younger APAs, was his commitment to donating blood — he had donated over 100 pints in his lifetime in addition to hosting many blood drives.

This is the 7th year we are hosting a blood drive in Tom’s honor.  The first five years, we were able to collect over 250 pints of blood while gathering together in the 1st floor jury room.  Last year, we were unable to meet together, but still had 48 sign-ups for our virtual drive.  Unfortunately, this year will be another virtual drive.  While this means we have to wait to be together, it still gives us the opportunity to do something good for people in need.  Plus, the benefit of the virtual drive is that you can pick a time and location that is convenient for you.

This year, I’m setting our goal at 75 sign-ups, to be wrapped up by Christmas Eve.  I know you’re tired.  I know everything about life has been harder for the last 18 months.  I’m asking all of you to do it anyway.  In fact, do it because it’s hard.  Do it to show that none of us will back down from doing things that are right and good.  Even though Tom is not here anymore, I like to think his imprint remains, even for those that did not get the chance to meet him.