Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you all for your kind words. The family still misses their fallen hero. I married his son who I’m told is the most like his Dad.

The unbelievable story never told us his wife worked at the jail and had to face the one who murdered her husband until the trial was over and he was sent away. Imagine that?

What an incredible woman she was to carryon with 6 children to care for, but God works in mysterious ways. She met a great man, a soldier home from Vietnam who had not been married and no children. They are still married today.
God bless

Mrs Thornton

October 7, 2022

You will never be forgotten. Rest well my brother.

Ed Smith
Modesto Police Department (ret)

August 23, 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)

August 23, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Thornton,
On today, the 53rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Stanislaus County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 23, 2020

Rest In peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 23, 2018

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 13, 2016

Uncle....I was just 5 years old when you were taken from us your memory lives in me each and everyday. I remember while dad was in Vietnam you made sure my mom, brother and I were safe. The memory of you shines brightest during these dark times....with all my heart I thank you....

ritch
nephew

August 26, 2015

You were killed on the day I was born. Now, I am a 20 year veteran with a California police department. I read the details of your death and can only wish I was on scene to help. You died as a warrior and I will always remember and respect your sacrifice each and every day; especially on my birthday. Job well done, Sir.

Patrolman Al De Jesus
Richmond Police Dept.

July 30, 2014

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

Officer 11169

January 22, 2012

I heard the details of the night Harold was murdered today. It made me respect (even more), police officers and what they do for society. I am comforted everytime I see the lights on top of the car. Thankyou Harold for saving my Dad.

Anonymous

November 5, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd 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

August 23, 2010

Harold: although I didn't personally know you, I came along a few years later and saw your name each day. I also knew many of the same people that surrounded you. I felt compelled yesterday on August 23rd to take you flowers to celebrate your life and the story you leave for all of us to remember. I regret not having the opportunity to sit across from you at the briefing table.

I hope Jim Waddell is still ok after the incident. If any of you who knew Harold read this, stop by and visit his gravesite at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

JM

August 24, 2008

Harold, I was the last friendly face you ever saw. We ate your last meal together; had I been armed, things may have turned out different. I'll honor your memory the rest of my days on earth. Til we meet again, I salute you. Thanks for sending me away from what you probably thought was harm's way. It obviously was.

Jim Waddell

May 11, 2008

Thornton
I have walked by your picture many times.. Rest in Peace brother, Watch over us Cops in Stanislaus County

Lloyd
SAME

December 19, 2007

Harold. I was pround to be your friend. Pround to have been in law enforcement with you and honored to know you.

Jim Stevens
Friend (sgt retired)

June 8, 2006

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

Harold, Im proud to walk in your footsteps. I wish that we could have known each other. I see your picture every day and I will never forget the sacrifice that you made. Rest in peace brother.

Bruce
Stanislaus County Sheriff

July 27, 2004

Rest in peace brother

Dep. Eric Thoresen
Marion County Sheriffs Office

March 4, 2004