Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will never forget the summer trip riding across country in the back of the station wagon. That was a great summer.

Community Service Officer II
Cousin, Riverside County California Sheriff's Department

November 29, 2023

We never met, but your story and sacrifice shaped who I am as a law enforcement professional. Your story and contributions to law enforcement will not be forgotten.

Brian Mahan

March 28, 2023

You are amazing my brother! It is hard to believe 34 years have passed by since we last spoke. You will forever be my Hero and I look forward to the day we ride again 10-18! Thank you for being YOU! Love you!

David Commodario

March 28, 2023

Hugh had stopped by the fire station 42 where I worked at that time earlier that day to drop off a bicycle he had found abandoned and was going to pick it up at the end of his shift to take it to the sheriff's office. He never made it back to the station. Rest in peace Hugh.

FST James E. Worrell
Seminole County Fire/Rescue

August 11, 2020

Wow so young and so brave!! Continue to Rest In Peace

Mark Mottola

March 28, 2020

I recall the day you left, it was so hot and I was about to go water skiing, when the news broke it was heartbreaking. High after you left there was a fund/ scholarship your mom and department created, I was blessed to to have received the very first one the issues out . You are dearly missed my friend I’ve come to visit you when in the area.

David Harding

March 28, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Thomas,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Seminole County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 28, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Thomas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 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

Hugh, you took a piece of everybody's heart with you that day.

You will always be remembered.

Pauline Torres

Pauline Torres
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

March 28, 2016

I miss you...wish we could have grilled steaks out by the pool on your birthday as you turned 51. We should have spent the day laughing and tossing each other in the deep end of the pool. Strawberry Short Cake for everyone! Sometimes I still can't believe that you stepped into Heaven at the age of 24.

I miss you as my brother, my confidant and as my friend.
Love you forever.

Faye Commodario, Former Reserve Deputy
Seminole County Sheriff's Department

February 28, 2016

Thank you for your service Deputy Sheriff Thomas. We will honor you, as we do each year, during our Seminole County Sheriff's Office Annual Law Enforcement Ceremony this week. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Ann Gitzke
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

May 20, 2015

It's been so very long since you left us Deputy Thomas, but I think about you whenever I see your name on the street signs. Thank you for your bravery and your service to our county. Bless your family.

citizen
citizen of Seminole County

March 30, 2015

It's hard to believe 26 years have gone by since you passed away. I miss you every day and thank you for being such a great friend, roommate and partner. You are sorely missed.

Sergeant (Retired) David Commodario
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

March 27, 2015

Time will never change the fact that you are greatly loved and missed.

Brent Davison
SCSO

March 26, 2015

As the twenty fifth anniversary has passed, know that your sacrifice was not in vain and that you memory will long endure in the hearts of your loved ones and co-workers.

Thank you for you service and may you continue to watch over us.

Deputy Commander Roger Gross
FLEO

April 2, 2014

ALL members of public safety that have lost their lives in the line of duty should be remembered. This young man had heart, compassion and loyalty to duty. I still have tears after these many years past. I often think of ALL the men and women who are in uniform these days because of the violent world in which we occupy. I pray for his family and friends as they remember his passing. Another precious life that was taken too early- Hugh will always be remembered by members of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. "Be careful out there".

Retired FSO Lynda Kay
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

April 15, 2013

Hugh was a dedicated professional. He never got mixed up with the drama. He was the guy that everyone would say, wow yes Hugh, nice guy. He was just nice to everyone and very professional. Never saw him loose his cool with anyone. Always friendly and always a smile. He was my FTO when I went to work at Seminole Co S.O. I saw him that morining at the gas pumps. We talked for about 10 minutes. I had just come in from Geneva for the end of my shift, he was heading out to Geneva to start his. Total shock that someone could shoot this young man who was a blessing to everyone he met. It was an honor to know him and to have the opportunity to work with him.

Former LEO, Ted Haugstatter

August 27, 2012

Heroes live forever, and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Thomas.

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

March 28, 2012

We promised we would never forget. That promise I keep this the 23rd year anniversary of your death. I know you are near and keep watch on us from above. We miss you as much today as we did the day we lost you. Time heals the wound, but little things trigger a moment of memory when we least expect it. Then we shed a tear because you are not here. We love you and always will.

Sue Negri

March 28, 2012

Time has not healed the loss I still feel knowing your gone. You are on my mind often and I still think of your mom, and I hope time has helped to heal her pain and her feeling of loss.

Deputy Meredith Vaughn
Clay County Sheriff's Office

March 7, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

I rode many a shift with you as a youth deputy, then had the honor to serve with you briefly as a fellow Deputy Sheriff. To this day I still reflect on and apply lessons you tought me to help return safely home to my family at the end of tour.
You are missed and fondly remembered brother.

Sgt. Michael Doran
Jackson Madison Co. Metro Narcotics

July 14, 2011

Fallen, not forgotten. Remembered, even on the other side of the globe points out that our brotherhood knows no borders.

Brigadier Eric Jansen
Rotterdam City Police (Netehrlands)

March 28, 2011

Heroes do live forever, and you sir a a hero. We will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made for the citizens of Florida. Continue to rest in peace...

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

Anonymous

March 28, 2011