Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It was my honor to have served with both Officers Spinnett and Crawford during the mid- 1970's when I was a young Police Officer with the Thomasville Police Department. Dennis and Bobby were fine Officers and well-respected. Back in those days we often worked 3 man cars with one officer always walking the down-town beat in all kinds of weather, and standing on the corner at the bank, for alternating two hour shifts while the other two patrolled by car; and then we switched. This went on with each Platoon and shift 24/7. So, we got to know each other pretty well as we all either fried in the sun, froze in the snow or got drenched in the rain before finally either cooling off, warming up or drying off on patrol in the car. I was greatly saddened to learn of the loss of my two former Partners. They were both young men with great promise and should have had a long career in law enforcement. It is always sad to see a young officer go down in the "Line" but when you know them it is even more difficult. May God grant them rest. Sleep well, Partners.

Dr. Jerry W. Leonard
(Retired) Special Agent-in-Charge US ACI/USI

December 11, 2024

This is chilling in more ways than one. Not only was Dennis a relative of mine, My dad was an MP at the end of WWII and my best friend's name is the same as his partners.

Civilian.
Cousin

April 15, 2024

Dennis Spinnett was my best friend. We shared an apartment together for a while. The night he and Robert "Fluffy" Crawford were killed they were on 3rd shift and I was on 1st. After the incident took place the Chief called in most of the Dept. to search for the suspects. The Davidson County Sheriff's Dept actually apprehended the two suspects just outside the City......this is forever more branded in my mind like it was yesterday.....I have a photo of Dennis on the wall in my home and I see him every day of my life.....he was my best friend and he'll never be forgotten.......Lt. T.A. Shuler Retired...

Lt. T. A. Shuler Retired TPD
Thomasville Police Dept

March 7, 2023

Officers Spinet and Crawford were my former Partners with whom I often worked while I was a youthful Thomasville Police Officer. They were fine men who deeply cared about their career in law enforcement and in protecting the City and people whom they served with dedication. Many years have now passed but, within my mind's eye, I still see them as young Police Officers, as was I, just starting out on their careers. We alternated walking "the Beat" in either sunshine or dead of night, in rain or in snow, and then switching off every two hours riding on Patrol and answering calls. We worked three man cars back in those days. Naturally, we came to know each other fairly well and learned each other thoughts before they were even voiced when "on the job." Even though the years continue to dim our memories, the faces of our former Partners will always be with us. We pray that Almighty God will grant them eternal rest and a special place in the Honor Guard of Heaven.

Special Agent-in-Charge [Retired] Jerry
Department of Defense

July 19, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Spinnett.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 26, 2019

Patrolman Spinnett,
On today, the 42nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Thomasville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 8, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for aolace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 8, 2012

Thank you brother for your service and sacrifice. Just know that you are not forgotten and your life has served to strengthen us all who serve.

Lieutenant Claude R. Widener Jr.
Thomasville Police Department

August 23, 2011

You are greatly missed lil brother and you will always remain in my heart and thoughts. Love your big sister, Lois

Lois Spinnett Greene
sister

May 11, 2011

Rest in Peace brother. You have fallen but will never be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff T.B. Dorsey
Pitt Co. N.C. Sheriffs Office

January 8, 2011

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

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

January 2, 2008

"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

December 31, 2007

G-d Bless.

January 8, 2007

You are a true hero sir and we haven't forgotten you. God bless you!!!

J.B.
S.P.D.

January 8, 2006

Patrolman Spinnett,
On this, the 28th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Thomasville.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 8, 2005