Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

April 8, 2008

Today I am reflecting on your life lost too soon. Thank you for your service to your community, your family, and your friends. The law enforcement community lost a lot when we lost you. I wish peace and comfort for your family and friends.

Detective Michele Vallor
Seattle Police Department

December 14, 2007

Eddie,
You are in my thoughts every day before shift. I try to remember so that I can do my part to keep officers safe.

My prayers are with your family during this trying week.

Julie Richmond; Dispatcher
SNOCOM

September 12, 2007

On this the first anniversary of your passing, just wanted to let you know that your sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Rest in peace sir
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

September 12, 2007

Hi Eddie,
Remembering you today on the 1st anniversary of your EOW. I know your friends and families are still missing you and telling funny stories about you.
In 2 days it will be the 6th anniversary of the EOW of
Whatcom County Sheriff Deputy Matt Herzog. And even
today ( Sept. 11th) Seattle P.D. lost a new recruit just
out of the academy in a traffic accident. I just wish there
was some way to keep you all safe. We really do need
you here and miss you greatly. Thanks, Eddie for your service and for your willingness to give it all!
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

September 12, 2007

EDDIE,

I'TS COMING UP ON ONE YEAR SENCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE,AND EVEN
THOUGH I'T FEEL'S LIKE I'T WAS YESTURDAY THAT I LEFT YOUR
HOME FROM HAVING DINNER WITH FAMILY AND FRIEND'S.THAT WAS MY LAST TIME WITH YOU.I'LL CHERISH THAT MEMORY FOREVER!!!!!
JUST AS I WILL YOU.I HOPE YOUR 1'ST YEAR IN HEAVEN HAS BEEN,WONDERFUL....LOVE YOU TODAY TOMORROW AND FOREVER,
YOUR,SISTER KALA. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN...
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

KALA GARNETT THOMAS
SISTER

September 6, 2007

You were a good friend. I will miss all the fun we had together. You will be greatly missed by everyone that knew you.

Your friend, Daniel

Daniel Gorun
Close Friend

May 1, 2007

Eddie,

I look back at September 11th 2006 as we stood next to each other at the 9/11 ceremony. Who would have thought the end was near. You life was full of spirit and dedication to the profession. You are truly missed as a good friend and as a great officer.

Missing You

Sgt. T.J. Brooks
Lynnwood PD

April 27, 2007

You will always be missed and never forgotten. Thank you for all you have done for us.

BM3 Andrew Standiford
MSST 91101

March 22, 2007

God Bless the family, friends and co-workers of Eddie. I will be riding this year in the Police Unity Tour in memory of Officer Thomas. It is a great honor to ride for a true hero. Your life and loss will never be forgotten brother.

Officer Paul Hutta
Suffolk PD, Virginia

March 4, 2007

To Eddies family and friends,
I never knew Eddie but I've read about him and I will be riding in the Police Unity Tour in his honor. For those of you not familiar with the Tour it's a 350 mile bicycle ride from northern NJ to DC during Police Week in May. If anyone wants to donate send me an e-mail and I'll let you know how. All the money raised goes to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "We ride for those who died." Eddie is a true hero and it will be an honor to ride in his memory.

Officer Todd Campbell
West Chester PD, Ohio

Officer Todd Campbell
West Chester, OH

February 26, 2007

I saw you the day before you went away. I was handing out flyers to the public and you stood next to me. You were looking at our county's mobile command unit, with one of my Asst. Advisors.

I never thought that this could happen so close to home. As soon as we heard you passed away, our whole post came outside the department and lowered the flags at half mast, and saluted for you to your service to our community.

RIP Officer Thomas

Lt. Lam
Lynnwood Police Explorers

February 19, 2007

Rest in peace Ed, you were a great friend and a great inspiration. We will continue the fight for you.

Ofc Kenneth Harvey
Lynnwood PD

February 16, 2007

--"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." -- Maya Angelou

Aloha Police Officer Edwanton A. (Eddie) Thomas,
Thank you for your service and dedication to your community and your country. You and all officers that continue to lay your lives on the line and pay the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities and country safe, will NEVER be forgotten.

I personally pledge, (after one of Hawaii's own, Honolulu Police Officer Steve Favela, lost his life in the line of duty protecting our Commander in Chief, President George W. Bush), to become a continuum of the ODMP light. That light is in the form of an ODMP tribute. People from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, religion, profession, education, and geographical location can share here. That "LIGHT" comes from within the heart and soul of every person who cares to share a word or two on behalf of each and every fallen officer. Every fallen officer is an hero. The ODMP; Officer Down Memorial Page gives us a place to come together and share our feelings as one family. May we find comfort as we give comfort to the families who have lost a loved one.

As we say in Hawaii, “We are`Ohana.” We are family. God Bless this fallen hero. May we embrace him as one of our own family member; our `Ohana. No one will ever be able to replace you for you were unique and very special. No one; not in this lifetime. May God allow you to rest in His Divine peace.

Police Officer Edwanton A. (Eddie) Thomas, I wish you, your loved ones, your fellow officers, and friends, peace and love beyond all understanding.

--- May this Hawaiian prayer give all those who read it comfort. ---

THE PEACE OF " I "
KA MALUHIA O KA "I"

Peace be with you, All My Peace,
O ka Maluhia no me oe, Ku'u Maluhia a pau loa,

The Peace that is " I ", the Peace that is "I am".
Ka Maluhia o ka "I", owau no ka Maluhia,

The Peace for always, now and forever and evermore.
Ka Maluhia no na wa a pau, no ke'ia wa a mau a mau loa aku.

My Peace " I " give to you, My Peace " I " leave with you,
Ha'awi aku wau I ku'u Maluhia ia oe, waiho aku wau I ku'u Maluhia me oe,

Not the world's Peace, but, only My Peace,
The Peace of " I ".

A'ole ka Maluhia o ke ao aka, ka'u Maluhia wale no,
Ka Maluhia o ka "I".

Moana V.C. Molale (Private Citizen)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

January 9, 2007

Rest in peace my fellow COASTIE. As a former coast guard member and fellow officer my heart felt condolences to your family. You not only served your county but also the citizens of Brier. You are a HERO!!! SEMPER PARATUS.

CORRECTIONS DEPUTY K. WILLIAMS
BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE, FL

November 1, 2006

We will miss you Eddie.

Det Doug Teachworth
Lynnwood, WA PD

October 20, 2006

Eddie,

I enjoyed having the opportunity to work beside you and your friendship will be missed greatly. I will always remember you by your positive attitude and smile. I am sure that we will meet again someday, rest in peace brother.

Mike Catlett
Swinomish PD, WA

Officer Mike Catlett
Swinomish PD, WA

October 14, 2006

I have had the pleasure to serve with you for two years. I will never forget your smile and your sense of humor. You made all those late night watches go by so much faster and I was often filled with uncontrollable laughter. I will always look up to you and remember the advice you gave me as this world will not be the same with out you. Fair winds and following seas.

FRODO
MSST-91101

October 12, 2006

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. -Albert Pine

Officer Thomas -- The sacrifice you made for your community will not be forgotten.

To all those touched by the loss of Officer Thomas -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colorado Springs (CO) Police Protective Association

October 11, 2006

"I Am An Explorer"

Dedicated to: All officers who were explorers

Because we help each other to become
the best future police officers we can be.



My parents say I can do better,
I don't think they understand,
When I take control and put others at ease,
I feel I am taking a stand,

I have no gun and I have no mace,
I must stay calm when danger stares me in the face,
I am an Explorer for what it's worth,
I wear the uniform and have respected officers since birth,

We are called wannabes but must hold our heads high,
Because in the end, we will be the ones in the patrol cars,
And we will wave as we pass by,
And every person who had any doubt will know,

We are putting our lives on the line for them and for you,
Yes we are wannabes and I will say it proudly,
I am an Explorer and I will never give up,
I will do what I can until I earn a real badge and a gun,

And until that day, when I walk by,
Don't insult me and tell me i am nothing,
Because in a few years when I am on my beat,
I will be a part of the few men who stand for something

Explorer
Lynnwood Police Explorers

October 1, 2006

You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

September 29, 2006

Officer Thomas, thank you for your courageous service. My prayers are with you, your family, and your Police brothers and sisters.

Tim Reise
Nashville, TN

September 27, 2006

Eddie i will always miss you although i i only saw you at family events, when we went camping and when you had free time i still will never forget how you made me laugh and inspried me to become a police officer you will always be in my heart and never forgoton see you in heaven

Love You Unc Unc

Famliy Member Ryan
Nehpew

September 27, 2006

Stand Tall.....

Stand Proud....

God Bless you Eddie.....

Larry

Deputy Larry Cole
Snohomish County S .O.

September 27, 2006

I had the honor of attending the Washington Equivelency Academy with Eddie this year. He had a great sense of humor. He will be missed in the law enforcement community and definitely had alot to offer. My condolences to his family.

Officer T.L. Wilkerson
Liberty Lake Police Department, Liberty Lake, WA

September 26, 2006