Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Bill, hope you and Jim are having a "Firebrew". Think of you often especially this time of year. I pull the "pin" next month. Keep an eye over those who still serve.

3486

December 11, 2019

32 years and still hard to understand. Bill, you and Snively look down upon us.

Deputy

December 10, 2018

Just checking in Bill. Hopefully you and Snively have hooked up. Still miss not having you around.

Deputy

December 10, 2017

Bill, 30 years today. Hard to believe it has been that long. We lost Snivley this year. Hope you guys are having a Little Kings together. I still hear your laugh and think about you often. Stay true to us brother.

CHief Deputy

December 10, 2016

Thinking of you Bill and those times we worked at Flower Mound PD. You are never forgotten my friend.

Michael Layne

December 11, 2015

Hey Bill, Just got off the phone with Snively. Said he had been worried about me. I am fine. You must of been on his mind today as you are on mine. Take care my friend. Keep us protected and carry on.

3486

December 10, 2015

Bill,

I miss you brother. I still proudly carry your clip board. Your memory lives on. Thanks for your friendship and believing in me all those years ago!

Richard D. Brooks
Captain
Uniformed Services Division
Flower Mound Police Department

April 13, 2015

Still in my thoughts. Carry on my brother.

3486

December 11, 2014

Tonight I think of you on yet another anniversary. Cold and all is ice covered. Just letting you know that you will not be forgotten by myself and others whose lives you touched.

3486

December 9, 2013

Bill, it has now been 25 years. It still seems like yesterday that you left us. You are still missed and will always be remebered by the ones that cherised you the most.

Todd Tiemann, Chief Deputy
TARRANT COUNTY CONSTABLE PCT 1

December 13, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your friends remain loyal to you as seen in their reflections for you. Guess that saying that a man is rich if he has friends means you are very wealthy.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 10, 2011

Seems silly talking to a web page because I miss you Bill, but I do miss you. See ya 'round the bend no doubt.

Ptl Jim Snivley
friend

July 12, 2011

Cold and windy here today. It reminds me of the day that we said our final goodbyes. Having know you and worked with you will always stay with me. You have a large number of friends that will always remember in the own special way. For me it will be the special friendship that we had developed and would carry on till we meet again.

Anonymous

December 9, 2010

Bill, I was just thinking of you the last few days. I will be attending the memorial ceremony in Denton this year. When your name is read, I already know my reaction. Rest well my friend and protect us. Remember to keep your head down.

Anonymous

May 11, 2010

no reason, just sittin' here thinking of you and wishing we could sit down with "FireBrew",and visit a spell. FireBreww is what us Yankee's called Stroh's for you nonbelievers.
I miss you Bill
jim
p.s. i'm actually writing that book

Jim Snivley / retired

April 11, 2010

seems like yesterday that I got the news. Todd 'called' to make sure I remembered. I'm glad he did.
In the 20 odd years since you died, on the job, much has gone on in this old world Bill.
Me? I'm 65 now. Who knows? We may be having lunch together soon if I don't slow down some.
And, so many things have changed too. One thing that hasn't is how much I miss you. Some folks might say you are gone but not forgotten. Well Sir, as long as I draw air, you won't be gone. You live in and thru me daily.
God picked up a good cop when he got you.
~jim

Jim Snivley
Long time friend, Public Utilities Police, Cleveland, Oh

December 11, 2009

Bill, 23 years now and still not forgotten. Your wit and fatherly advice will always be remembered. Rest well my friend, God has a protector and a friend for all in need.

Anonymous

December 10, 2009

It police memorial week Bill and just wanted to say hello and let you know I still think of you. God Bless

Dennis Barney
Friend

May 14, 2009

Bill,
Glad to see a picture posted. My thoughts have been with you in recent days. I pray your family is well.
Rest in peace brother.
Mike Layne

Deputy Marshal Mike Layne (ret)
Former FMPD, TX

December 17, 2008

Bill was killed in 1986, but I can still "see" his smile and "hear" his laughter. He was one of the finest men I ever knew.

We served together in the Army Nat'l Guard of Ohio and as Deputy Sheriff's with Summit County Sheriff's Dept. of Akron, Ohio. Beyond that formal relationship, we were close friends in the civilian world.

The night he was injured I was in Cleveland, Ohio. Somehow I knew something was wrong and put out a call to another friend and fellow Police Officer; Bill Schneckenberger.

"Schneck" returned my call within minutes. Before he said anything I asked, "something is wrong. What is it?" He didn't seem to be surprised that I sensed that there was trouble. The three of us were that close. I sat and listened as Schneck told me the details. I cried, knowing full well, that Bill Thurston was in deep "doo".

How many times have I wondered how different life would have been If Bill would have driven one mile an hour slower, or faster. Life turns out the way it is supposed to I guess. But I sure as hell miss him.

His quick wit and sharp mind made him a formidable foe for any criminal. Yet, his compassion for his fellow man never allowed any misuse of his lawful authority.

Even after all these years I still weep when I think of his loss. To this day I still have one of the six .38spl cal. bullets from the service revolver he carried the night he died.

I lost a good friend. Texas lost a good Police Officer. His family lost a Husband, a friend, and a Dad. Bill died doing what he loved. I'm Jim Snively, and I thank you

Ptl James M. Snivley
life long friend and police partner

December 10, 2008

Bill, It will be 22 years tomorrow when you left us. Your departure was way to soon and brought sadness to those who know and love you. It brings tears to my eyes to see your ohio deputy picture. My we were young at one time. Keep an eye on us and protect as we continue to do the job that you loved so much.

Anonymous

December 9, 2008

Bill,

It took 22 years but finally got your photo posted. All your friends and relatives who visit this site can reflect and remember you by your picture. Thanks to Sheriff Drew Alexander of the Summit County Ohio Sheriff's office for putting me in contact with the person in charge of thier archives so your memorial is now complete.

Rest in Peace Buddy

Dennis Barney
Friend

December 4, 2008

Was just at my desk working and was just thinking of you for some reason today. My daughter will be 22 this December and it will be 22 years ago this december that you left us to patrol up in heaven. I still think of you all the time. Even though it has been so many years since I was a kid in high school.

Dennis Barney
Freind

October 14, 2008

Bill,
I just learned of your crash, 21 years later. I remember when you and Schneck were being hired at Flower Mound PD. Since you lived in Ohio the Chief assigned me to adminter the psych test over the phone giving you the statement and then marking your response. As I recall it took about three hours. I will never forget that experience. You were hired at FMPD and I enjoyed working with you and Schneck. The three of us were from Ohio and had some things in common.

I was supervisor of communications during that era and I always enjoyed working a shift with you.

I went on to finsh my degree work and earned a PhD in Counseling psychology and after moving to Indiana worked as a Deputy Marshall. Those years in Texas Law Enforcement were some wonderful formative years and having known and worked with you was a privilege and honor.

I have developed a program called CopCare911 where I work with officers and their families to help work through situations. And now, though 21 years later, I will grieve for you my friend.

Thanks for letting me ramble. Rest in peace peacemaker.
Mike Layne

Former Deputy Marshall Mike Layne
Former Flower Mound PD Employee

March 1, 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

February 6, 2008