Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

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

September 21, 2020

It’s been 40 years since you gave your life in service to your community. The pain of your loss still stings after four decades.

Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten...

Michael Kellems, Captain ( retired )
La Porte County Police Department

September 21, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Thompson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 20, 2019

NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation
www.copscycling4survivors.org

Monica Zahasky
President of CC4S

September 21, 2018

Patrolman Thompson,
On today, the 37th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 21, 2017

The police officer stood and faced his Maker, which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining brightly as his brass. “Step forward now, police officer how shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To your Maker, have you been true?” The police officer, with squared shoulders, said “No sir, I guess I ain’t. Because those of us who carry badges can’t always be a saint. I’ve had to work most Sunday’s and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I’ve been violent, because the streets are tough. But I never took a penny, that wasn’t mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep. And I never passed by a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear, and sometimes, please forgive me, I’ve wept unmanly tears. I know I don’t deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fears. But if you have a place for me here, well…it need not be too grand. I never expected or had too much so if you don’t…I’ll understand.” There was silence all around the room where the saints respectfully stood. As the police officer waited quietly for the judgment…bad or good. “Step forward now, police officer, you’ve borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven’s streets, You’ve done your time in hell.”

John Gazarkiewicz (Civilian)
N/A La Porte County, IN Resident

May 15, 2014

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Thompson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 5, 2013

I hope they didn't release that idiot who did this yet, I just now seen this reflection, RIP Neil...

N/A
Civilian

October 1, 2012

Neil, I've been here several times but never written before now. It's been over 30 years but sure doesn't seem like it. I remember Sept. 21, 1980 like it was yesterday....I was on my way to the hospital to pick up my wife and newborn daughter, and ended up taking photos at the scene of your murder. I helped train you, and worked the same shift with you the whole time you were on the Department. I still tell the story about the time I set you up with the guard dog in the Standard station in Wanatah, and got you to shake the door to make sure it was locked on midnights when you were training. When that shepherd came over the counter, all teeth and fur (like I knew he would) and you were pawing at that 'hog leg' you'd borrowed as your first duty gun trying to get it out and backpedaling like mad, I thought I'd die laughing. I also remember how serious you were when people were victimized, and how you were able to empathize with people who were at a bad time in their life. You didn't have to be where you were that day, you were supposed to be at the church getting ready to be godfather to a baby. Instead you heard the pursuit and even though technically nobody would have expected you to get in on it, you answered the bugle. I wouldn't have expected anything else from you. I know you have company up there though- Lisa, LAB, Jan, your brother and your folks, and I hope you're keeping an eye on the rest of us down here. Rest in peace, and I hope the rest of us can live up to your example.

Sgt. Dennis Bernth
Indiana University Police Dept., LaPorte County Police Dept. Ret.

July 13, 2011

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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 21, 2010

Patrolman Thompson, twenty nine (29) years later you are still remembered.

You died a hero protecting the citizens of Indiana.

Thank you for your service. The citizens of Indiana were always well protected under your watch.

A tragic and unnecessary loss.

Anonymous

May 1, 2010

"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

January 9, 2008

I pray that you are still resting peacefully and hope that you are watching down over us.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

September 21, 2006

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Tonight, September 21, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Patrolman Neil G. Thompson who died in the line of duty on this date 25 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Patrolman Thompson’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 21, 2005

Neil, it has been 24 years since your death and while I was just a kid at the time I have always remembered your sacrifice and service to our community. I will always work hard to carry on that tradition of service and I will stand tall knowing what you died for.

Michael Kellems, Sergeant
La Porte County Sheriff's Office

September 21, 2004

May you rest in peace, god bless you and your family. "No greater a man than he who will lay down his life for another"

Deputy Andrew S. Hynek
La Porte County Sheriff's Department

February 17, 2004