Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“Allen” Amos and my father, Harold Thomas, were partners. My dad was there that horrible day, Dec 3rd, 1979, when Allen was killed as they responded to a call for hog thieves at an Immokalee Ranch. As they approached the scene, a sniper shot rang out and my father saw Allen hit in the head by the gunfire. Single-handedly, my father tracked down the murderer and had him in custody before backup could arrive. The murderer killed Allen over a few hogs.

My father struggled over this for years. He questioned God, wondered why he’d take such a godly man instead of him. He’d tell me about his nightmares and how he relived the scene over and over. My father eventually found peace with the Lord, changed his life around, and dedicated his life to sharing Jesus with everyone he met. He finished a 30+ year career with CCSO and continued ranching. My father died Dec 4th, 2019 at a very fulfilled age of 82. It was 40 years and one day after Allen’s death that these partners were reunited in Glory.

Today, my family and I visited the PBA memorial at the state capital and honored Allen by tracing his name onto paper were it will hang in my office at work. I told my young daughters his story and shared about his sacrifice.

I never met Allen but heard a lot about him. About how he was a good man, dedicated deputy, and caring. Hearing about his and my father’s escapades, caused me to want to enter into a career in law enforcement. Their legacy lives on in the men and women I work with at CCSO. I’m sure both of them are having adventures together again in that wonderful place.

Sgt. Caleb Thomas #129
CCSO

March 14, 2024

Allen Amos was my closest childhood friend in Avon Park, Florida. I lost touch with him when my family moved to Jacksonville when I was in the seventh grade. I have only recently learned what became of him and I would wish to extend, belatedly, my condolences to his family.

Robert Carter

July 2, 2021

Thoughts and prayers are still with the Amos Family and friends, as well as the Collier County Sheriff's Office, for the loss of Deputy Amos. By all accounts, Deputy Amos was everything we want in a policeman and had a reputation for delivering police service with a positive demeanor and servant's heart. His service and family's scarifies to the citizens of Florida are not forgotten.

Gary Howze, Director
Florida Office of the Attorney General

December 3, 2020

Allen was my best friend during my childhood in Avon Park, Florida. I moved away in the eighth grade and never saw him again. I am saddened to know of his death Robert Carter ([email protected])

Edwin Robert Carter

August 2, 2020

Allen was one of the nicest people I ever met.The world would be a great place to live if it was filled with people like him.I will always remember him.

Retired Sargent Ken Ferrell
Naples Police Department, Naples, Florida

December 5, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Amos.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 3, 2019

Our agency will always have an angel in Deputy Sheriff Arthur Allen Amos watching over our men and women protecting our county.

Suzanne Mariottini
Collier County Sheriff's Office - Employee

December 3, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Amos,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Collier County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 3, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Amos.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 31, 2019

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

If you were in fact the Allen Amos who was my dearest childhood friend in Avon Park, Florida elementary school (the year of your birth was the same as mine and your adult photo resembles a grownup version of my childhood friend), then know that I still remember and cherish our grade school years together.

Robert Carter
childhood friend

September 21, 2012

On August 18, 2012, Allen final got to see his best friend, L.B. Gross, again. I know Allen was glad to him. I'm sure they are laughing and celebrating now.

Valerie Worley
Granddaughter of L.B. Gross

August 20, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Amos. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

Deputy Sheriff Amos,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Collier County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

December 3, 2011

Recent Officer's deaths in my back yard this week (St. Pete) has brought my Uncle's death to the forefront.

As the niece of Allen Amos (my mother's brother), I'll never forget how all who's lives he touched were severely impacted by his loss.

What a senseless tragedy when the life of someone who serves to protect us is taken - especially in an instant.

Mama (Bobbie), Steve (my brother) and I think of you, Uncle Allen, and your family often. We love and miss all of you dearly.

To whomever recieves/sees this posting, I've lost touch w/my cousin, Kristi. If you can facilitate us getting back in touch, it would be greatly appreciated.

I pray for the protection of all of you that go out there and serve on our behalf, each and every day.

Lisa (Carroll) Martinez
Niece of Allen Amos

January 27, 2011

Times does not heal our hearts, but it does make each day easier. May the Amos family know that their hero is not forgotten...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

December 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you. Both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 3, 2009

Rest in peace my brother. You, your service and sacrifice is not forgotten.

Sgt. G.T. Martin
Collier Co. S.O.

May 15, 2009

RIP

Anonymous

September 9, 2008

Hey Brother,
It just doesn't seem that it's been 29 years since that fateful day over in Immokalee. Your death really hit me hard because I suppose it was the first one that I experienced after I joined the CCSO and being so close made it that much harder to understand and get through. We started about the same time there and although I worked the Naples area and you were in Immokallee, our paths crossed on several occasions. I've often thought about that day when the news came to us in the main office and still, to this day, it's difficult to wrap my mind around it. It seems so unfair that it had to happen and what a utterly usless waste of a fine upstanding and descent man it was. I still pray for your family and friends that remember you and will keep your memory alive forever. Just know that you didn't die in vain and the lessons we all learned from that horrible day in a lot of ways kept us much safer in our duties. Rest well my brother, your shift is being covered by others now.

Eric Daniels (Capt. Ret)
Collier Co. S.O.

August 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

December 3, 2007

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 2, 2007

You are still remembered by members of the Collier County Sheriffs Office on a daily basis. Everyday I put on my uniform, I am not just serving the citizens of Collier County, but am serving you and any member of the law enforcement family who has paid with their life, to do what they love to do. You will never be forgotten.

SERGEANT
COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

May 29, 2007

I miss my Dad and I thank everyone for their nice letters, cards, etc., throughout the years. I remember him so well and can't wait for the day I see him again. He was the best "Daddy" a little girl could ask for.
As I am the age he was when he died, I realize how much of a man he was and what that really means.

Kristi Amos
Daughter

February 25, 2007

Rest in eternal peace, sir, and God bless your family and friends.

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

January 12, 2006