Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mike,

I always enjoyed our conversations and seeing your wonderful smile! You will be greatly missed.

Michelle
APD Front Desk

September 23, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
collins Fire Dept.

September 23, 2006

As owners of a Public Safety Uniform/Supply Business and family of an active duty police officer from the Aurora Colorado PD, we wish to honor the life of Det. Michael Thomas and his years of service. There are no finer men and women than those who serve to protect and defend. Go with God, Det. Thomas.

Brian/Jack/Jan Carduff
Family of Officer John Wilton, Aurora PD

September 23, 2006

May God Bless you and welcome you into his kingdom. Thank you for all that you have done. Rest in peace brother, we will continue the patrols the streets here and will never forget you! Patrol the gates of heaven now with Saint Michael. Until we meet again, WE LOVE YOU!

Deputy Jeff Outlar
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Colorado

September 23, 2006

My prayers and condolences to your daughter and family and friends and to your Police Family. Detective Thomas, you will never be forgotten and will be remembered in my daily prayers. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, and the sacrifice you made in protecting the citizens of Colorado. God Bless you as you now slelep in God's Love and Peace and Patrol the Heavens.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO"S

kathi Halligan
Phila., PA.

September 23, 2006

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION, SERVICE AND SACIFICE. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR DAUGHTER, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND DEPARTMENT. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. MAY THEY LOOK TO HEAVEN IN THEIR TIME OF GRIEF. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS. I PRAY THAT JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL AGAINST ALL INVOLVED.

Deputy Jamie Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office (Va.)

September 23, 2006

God Bless our detective and his family and relatives, all good wishes, prayers and goodness to all of them.
Bye comrade.

ACO Hanosky Hernandez
Aurora Animal Care

September 23, 2006

I SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE DEMISE OF DETECTIVE MICHAEL E. THOMAS. I HOPE EVERYONE THAT KNEW THIS HONORABLE MAN WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER HIS BRAVERY, COURAGE, AND THE LEGACY IN WHICH HE LEFT BEHIND.

DETECTIVE THOMAS YOUR SHIFT IS OVER NOW, WE WILL TAKE IT FROM HERE. REST IN PEACE, BROTHER...

DEPUTY JAMES E. BRADFORD JR.
BRADLEY COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

September 23, 2006

Ever Close in Mind and Heart

No further away than a picture, a smile or remembered phrase
Our loved ones live in memory, so close in Many Ways

For how often does a sunset bring nostalgic thoughts to mind
Of moments that our loved one shared in days now left behind!

How often has a flower or a crystal autumn sky
Brought a golden reflection of happy days gone by.

Yes, memory has a magic way of keeping loves ones near –
Ever close in mind and heart are the ones we hold most dear.

God be with you, my friend

Bonnie Hilton
Secy to Investigations Bureau Commander, Aurora PD, Retired

September 23, 2006

My interactions with Mike were limited to conversations on the phone when he needed occasional assistance from our group. He was always so kind, almost apologetic for his interruption, and always very appreciative of our help. Reading and hearing about him this week, it was my loss not to have known him personally. Because of Mike’s sacrifice our streets are truly safer today, as the man who did this will never walk them again, never threaten or harm anyone else in our community. God bless you Mike for all you have done and all those you have helped throughout your career. May God comfort your family and friends in this difficult time.

Madelyn McKnight
Aurora PD Records

September 23, 2006

"I'll Wait -

A police K9 explained to St. Peter
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I can’t come in yet, you see,
as my handler and partner is not yet with me.
I’ll be very quiet as I sit and wait,
I'll watch over him and pray that he's late.
Because those who love him dearly,
Still need his protection.
And the ones who don’t know him,
But still need his help.
I'll be very patient and wait,
I'll never let out a whimper or yelp.
I’ll be chewing my celestial bone,
Waiting for my partner to come home.
It would not be right if I went in alone,
For without my partner you see;
It just wouldn't be Heaven to me,
Without crossing the gates
Right by his side.

Mikey, you were an outstanding K9 handler and your K9 partner was waiting for you to come home. From your brother and sister K9 handlers at home and abroad.

Law Enforcement Bloodhound Association
International K9 Handlers

September 23, 2006

Mikey,
You were truly a special person and one who will be missed by all. You were one of the first officers I met at APD 20 years ago and I still remember your smile. That smile was not reserved just for your brothers and sisters in blue, but for everyone you came in contact with, even the bad guys! You made an impression on every life you touched, and had kind words for every situation. Your daughter and her future children will have the most special angel to watch over them. Rest in peace my friend, your watch is over. We will take it from here, though no one will ever replace you. God Speed to you and God Bless your family.

Milica K. Wilson - Investigations
Dept. of Homeland Security (former Aurora PD)

September 22, 2006

A Part of America Died Today

Somebody killed a policeman today, and a part of America died. A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights, while a young widowed mother must work for her kids and spend alone many long nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too, just as if he had gone off to war. Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast, to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today. It happened in your town or mine. While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors, a cop put his life on the line.

Now, his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call and gave us his all, and a part of America died.
****************

THANK YOU, Mike, for all you have done for all of us. Go rest with the Angels.......You’ve earned it........

With Love, Respect and Appreciation........

A Cop’s Mom of
ONE OF YOUR BROTHERS IN BLUE
AURORA POLICE DEPARTMENT
SALUTES MIKE THOMAS
END OF WATCH 20 September 2006

September 22, 2006

May your daughter and family share wonderful memories. May your fellow officers continue serving and protecting in your honor. Such a senseless crime...may justice be served. Rest in peace

September 22, 2006

For He is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bare the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of justice to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4)
God Speed Mike

Det. Matt Ingui
Aurora Police Department

September 22, 2006

I had the pleasure of working with Mike while assigned to Patrol. He always had kind words and the patience to help a new guy finding his way (me).

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rain fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of His hand

Rest in peace, brother, rest in peace.

Agent Doug Knox
Aurora PD

September 22, 2006

Loving thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends, and especially to your "family in Blue". Your bravery and sacrafice have touched so many lives, and will continue to make a difference always. Know that you (and all that you did) will NEVER be forgotten.
HEROES LIVE FOREVER...

Meridith Jensen
Wife of Sgt. Jeff Jensen CSPD

September 22, 2006

Mikey,
When I heard about this, I thought that there was no way in the world that this happened. I still remember the times that you came over to the house on Peoria Cir and the new house working with my dad on various things. You alwasy were the first to crack a joke and a smile!!!! You will be missed by all of thoughs that you knew. God speed Mikey.

Steven Sopata
Son of Officer Sopata APD

Steven Sopata
Son of Officer Sopata APD

September 22, 2006

I never had the pleasure of meeting you. But I did have the great honour to meet three of your colleagues at the first anniversary of 9/11 in New York City, Tim Jeffrey, Joe Saccro and Eric Wittman. This reminded me through tragedy and sacrafice friendships are born. There is no greater gift we can give than our life for our community. As you knock on Heaven's door tell God about yourself and be proud, as I know your familly are.

"Last Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God 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 fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

God bless and Rest In Peace.

Sergeant Paul Phillips
Metropolitan Police Service, UK

September 22, 2006

may god bless det.thomas and his family as well as all his friend's and co-worker's.he will never be forgotten in the law enforcement family.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

September 22, 2006

Mikey,
We will miss you so much, the morning briefing stock reports, to the updates on your house and of course your family updates.
You are missed by each and every person you have touched in your life.
Blessed Be

Anne Doerr
Aurora Police Dept Victim Advocate

September 22, 2006

Mike,

I will never forget standing with you outside of that house. My first felony warrant giving me the evil eye. You stood by me during the whole process with a quiet smile. Your patient and helpful advice to a new officer helped keep me safe and made me feel accepted. I will never forget that or your example. You did more for us then you ever knew. We miss you

Ofc. Dave Hutchings
Aurora Police Department

September 22, 2006

Mike Thomas has made the ultimate sacrifice as a law enforcement officer. Thoughts are difficult to articulate in the context of this loss. He is more than deserving of great tributes. Such dedication to society and the well being of others, whether he knew them or not, was given freely and with kindness and a smile. There is a permanent tear in the fabric of our lives, and we will never forget him.

Elaine Hall, Administrative Specialist
Aurora Police Department

September 22, 2006

Detective Thomas,

How blessed your family and friends were to have had you ... how monstrously tragic that you were taken from them and the world two days ago. The Medal of Honor you earned, the messages of grief, condolences and tributes on this most important web site and elsewhere, speaks volumes as to the wonderful man and Police Officer you were when you walked this earth.

My son, Detective Jared Scott Jensen, Colorado Springs Police Department was also, tragically taken from us on February 22nd, 2006.

Men and women, Police Officers, who wear their Badges as well as we who are not members of the Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Law Enforcement thank you for your devoted service and for your sacrifice ... and we will NEVER forget you. May God's comforting hand reach down to your family, fellow officers and friends.

Tom Jensen

Tom Jensen
Father of Det. Jared Scott Jensen CSPD - EOW 2/22/06

September 22, 2006

Mike was a true friend when we worked together as FTO's and for a time in the K9 unit. He always had a smile and was always looking for the positive even when things were tough. Mikey was one of the few who cared about people and doing the job to the best of his ability. That rubbed off on many people in the department over the years he was there.

He is one of the members of the department who will be missed. Be at peace my friend. God bless you for what you gave to us.

Jerry Nichols
Aurora PD Retired
Anchorage, Alaska

Jerry Nichols
Aurora PD Retired

September 22, 2006