Family Creates Scholarship in Memory of Officer Tom Niman

Thanks to the generosity of one local family, future police officers now have the opportunity to receive help to pay for their educational expenses at Blackhawk Technical College. The scholarship created in the memory of Beloit Police Department Officer Tom Niman will benefit a student interested in joining a local police department.

Family members of the late Beloit Police Officer, Tom Niman, gathered on Easter weekend to remember Tom and to celebrate his legacy.

Tom started his law enforcement career with the Rock County Sheriff's Department in 1980 and worked there until 1990. During his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he qualified as the Department's Top Gun (1988). In 1990, Tom moved to the Beloit Police Department where he worked as an officer until his retirement in 2004. During his time with the Beloit Police Department, Tom served as a sniper for the swat team. He was a Field Training Officer for both departments as well as an EVOC instructor. After his retirement from the Beloit Police Department, Tom worked for the Rock County District Attorney's Office as an investigator until 2012.

During his career, Tom received an Excellence Award for saving three people from a burning home. He was a member of the Rock County Dive Team and the Rock County Narcotics Unit. In addition to his work, he also served in our community as a volunteer with the Beloit Snappers, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and a board member with Crime Stoppers and Riverfest.

Although Tom is deeply missed, the family hopes this scholarship will help the next generation of police officers.

Shown in the picture are: (front row) Dreyden Brickson and T-Lee, the family dog, (back row) Shane Niman, Owen Niman, Shannon Niman, Clayton Niman, Kennedy Brickson, Addison Brickson, Pam Niman (Tom’s wife), Taylor Brickson, Shannon Brickson, Patrick Brickson.