Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Time has not stood still, but you will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Kevin L Williams
NOPD

July 18, 2022

NEVER FORGOTTEN!!

Jake Schnapp
Friend

July 18, 2021

Det. Thomas,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New Orleans. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 18, 2021

I was barley out of high school, when a group of friends and I decided to go the French Quarter for a Mardi Gras parade. Due to the large crowds and limited parking I had to park all the way in the 5th District near St. Ferdinand Street. We parked, illegally, and went into the quarter. After about 45 minutes I had to return to my car because I forgot something. When I returned the window was broken and everything I had in the car was gone. Stereo, speakers, and registration - everything gone. As I sat looking at the car, I didn't really know what to do. I knew I shouldn't of parked there and I didn't want to go home and tell my parents what happened. Just then one of the old black semi-marked units pulled up with the windows down. It was Detective Joey Thomas. The first thing he did was tell me I was an idiot for parking like that.... I still laugh at that today because how many times have I done the same to someone else. Then he got out of the car and we talked. I told him that I have always wanted to be a police officer. He was critical of this 130lb kid that had no clue what being a police officer meant in New Orleans. He asked me why, I told him that I wanted to be in narcotics. Needless to say we talked for about an hour. He told me that everyone says they want to be a narcotics officer but few can, and even fewer are good at it. He told me to be the type of police officer that is fair but firm. He told me that if I can do that, others will want to work with me and want me in their units. He then told me some stories and told me if ever given the opportunity to be a narcotics cop, try to be the best one on the department. His encouragement and insight (and cool stories) that night changed the course of my life. By the time we shook hands and he left I knew that I wanted to be a narcotics "cop" and I was going to be no matter what. And like he said, I was going to try to be better than anyone else at it.

I started to apply for departments in the area and from time to time I would see Joey and he would tell me to keep trying and even offered assistance. In June of 1996, I started the process of getting hired as a police officer. I was so excited that I was going to get a chance to be what Detective Thomas said I should be. I actually thought that one day I would get the chance to work with him. Unfortunately that would never happen. His death and Chris McCormick's death hit me hard changing they way I looked at being a police officer. I never got a chance to show Joey that I made it. From FTO I started making drug arrest and being very vigilant of what could happen to me. Little did I know less than a year after Joey was killed, I was gunned down in the 7th district. I always remembered me and Joeys talks, and I vowed not to let the drug dealer who shot me take away my dream of being the best narcotics officer I can be.

I never got to say it, but Thank you for the motivation and guidance.

Detective Nathan Gex
New Orleans Police Department

May 27, 2021

Rest in peace Detective Thomas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2021

Joey you are missed. I was sitting here thinking of the times we would play games with you Yolanda and carla. Your sense of humor and stories you would tell will forever be remembered and missed.

Patrick Henry
Friend

February 14, 2021

There are so many words that could describe you. We were friends since 9 years of age.
You will never ever be forgotten.
You touched so many lives.

Sgt. Kevin L. Williams (Retired)
New Orleans Police Department

July 18, 2020

Joey, you have been missed. Great police officer, great brother, great husband, great father and a great friend.

Sgt. Sterling D. Williams (Ret.)
New Orleans PoliceDepartment

July 18, 2019

Cousin Joey,
My dad sent a picture of you and Auntie Carolyn at a wedding, and you have been on my mind. God knows that I miss you so much. Your beautiful daughter and cutie pie grandkids came to visit me a couple of weeks ago and she turned out to be a beautiful woman and mother. I want you to continue to rest in peace and make sure the family stays safe in heaven. Give Aunt Ceil a kiss from her baby girl. Truly loved and missed.

Lorie James-Jones
First Cousin

June 18, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourteenth 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 18, 2010

Detective Thomas, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your bravery and dedication. I said a prayer for the family you left behind.

A Grateful Citizen

October 27, 2008

Joey, I miss you each and everyday. You were my big brother, my best friend, my father figure and everything I could want and expect from a big brother. Please watch over me, keep me safe. I trust you as my guardian ANGEL just as you watched over me growing up. Thank you for all you have done for me, I am who I am because of you. Thanks for everything, I love you and miss you very much. Your little brother John D. Thomas, J.D.

Captain John D. Thomas
Brother (NOPD)

June 2, 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

November 1, 2007

Joey,
You are sorely missed brother. I remember working in Narcotics with you, and in the 5th with your brother. Your untimely death hurt us all, but we were lucky to have had you for the short time we did. RIP brother you are not forgotten.

G. Burgess
NOPD

July 25, 2007

Just thinking about you JT, its almost like yesterday that you made everyone laugh in ncic. Keep watching over us.

Sergeant Troy Oliver
New Orleans Police Department

August 28, 2006

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice to the people of New Orleans. RIP

January 31, 2006

I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Officer Thomas. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten. May you rest in peace. Then I heaard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? and Who will go for us? And I said "Here I am. Send Me!" ISAIH 6:8

Mike G.
Federal Law enforcement Agency

May 20, 2005

A privilege to have known him, an honor to have worked with him. A tragic loss never to be forgotten.

Lieutenant Michael Glasser
New Orleans Police

November 30, 2003

A privilege to have called him a friend, an honor to have worked with him. A tragic loss never to be forgotten.

Lieutenant Michael Glasser
New Orleans Police

November 30, 2003

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ