Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Really miss you, "Duke."

Wista Jeanne Johnson
First cousin

July 30, 2022

Det. Thompson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 20, 2021

50 years ago today we tragically and senselessly lost Detective Erle M. Thompson. At just 34yrs old, you were a husband, a father, a son, a friend, but above all a Hero, my Hero. You were loved by all who knew you. #114thprecinct @nypd. #1316 #7135 #Duke

Today and everyday I continue to honor your memory. I continue to say your name. I will continue to journey your life, and I continue to fight and pray for Justice! You will never be forgotten!

Kelly Abraham (Daughter)
February 20, 2021

February 20, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 20, 2021

Rest In Peace !

Ret. Po ohara
Mounted

February 20, 2021

Rest In Peace !

Ret. Po ohara
Mounted

February 20, 2021

Rest In Peace detective Thompson

Mark Mottola

February 20, 2020

Hi Duke!

Found your page by accident. I wish you were still here with us.

I remember the fun we had as kids playing Tarzan and Jane with Georgie.

And how you and Peachy used to tease me.

Well, so long until we meet on the other side.

Love, Wista

Wista Johnson
First cousin

December 8, 2019

Detective Thompson, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 20, 2019

It was my honor to research newspapers, books and magazines and finally find your ID Card Photo in a 1971 magazine and make sure your photo was put on this site. I wanted to put a face to your heroism in the Line of Duty. I did the research because you are a brother officer and no matter how many years past, you will always be remembered. Rest Easy Hero.

APO Christian Durante
NYPD: 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit

February 5, 2016

I love you and think about you all the time. I wish I have the opportunity to know you and your bravery. Thank you, I will always be proud of you and the sacrifice you made. Sleep in Peace Daddy.

KAA
Daughter

October 20, 2015

RIP Uncle Dukey. I miss you so much. You will always be remembered for your bravery. I love you.

Diahann Moyler

March 1, 2014

Detective Thompson, 114 PCT. RIP brother, you will not be forgotten.

P.O. Nunez (Retired)
NYPD

February 20, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst 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 for time never diminishes respect. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace.

Rest In Peace.

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

February 20, 2012

I said a little prayer today for Detective Thompson and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

February 16, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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 20, 2007

No officer should be without reflection.
You are not forgotten.
We continue on in your memory.

February 20, 2005