Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I put my heart out to Fred's family, I knew Fred while I worked with him with MED-1 before, during and after Katrina.
We spent alot of time together and became great friends.
This is a terrible thing that has happened but I know that he is in a better place.
Fred was a wonderful person and a wonderful Police Officer
I'll Pray for his family.

Michael Moore
Friend and formal MED-1 Employee

February 27, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. R.I.P. Officer Thornton. In peace and understanding.

Beverly Phillips
Mother, Michael Phillips, VBPD EOW 8-7-08

February 27, 2011

I will miss you dearly Fred. No one after you will ever compare to the positive example you displayed to all of us. You were a true professional and an amazing person. Your commitment to SWAT and family were tireless. I can't wait to see you again. Thanks for being you. RIP my friend.

Officer Steve Clarkson
CMPD

February 27, 2011

I can remember the first time I met him! You meet a lot of guys who become Policemen and you size them up, much like Veteran Officers did with me. Fred Thornton was the real deal! Another one born for the job. He was young, exuberant and eager to learn. His heart was in the right place and his conviction to make a difference dauntless. He was fun to be around, had a since of humor that was solid, predictable and constant. Fred was the type of Officer that if you were down in the dirt about to loose your life and looked for help, seeing Fred arrive was hope! He was not your typical SWAT guy in that he never put himself on a pedestal. He never considered himself above anyone else! Fred was Fred 24/7, you always knew what to expect.
Trying to reason his loss boggles my mind! He was not inept by any shape of the imagination. Fred was the most experienced SWAT Officer in CMPD history. My only understanding of it is that God needed him and that in it's self is comforting. When we arrive none of us will have to be looking over our shoulders knowing that Fred has our backs!
Stand tall my friend Fred. We will meet again!
That's my take on it! Ab

Police Officer Michael L. Abernathy
CMPD 1975-2005

February 27, 2011

Rest in peace Officer Thornton!
You will not be forgotten!
FACEBOOK salutes you!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

February 27, 2011

I want to be in SWAT

Michael Corcoran
An Garda Síochána

February 27, 2011

My prayers go out to Officer Thornton's family. Im sorry this happened. Rest in peace brother in blue...

Officer Paramore
Washington Police Dept.

February 27, 2011

Fred I will miss you bud. You were a great officer and an even greater human being. It will never be the same without you. We shall meet again someday and until then I take comfort in knowing you are in the company of those who have gone before you. May God bless and comfort your family. Rest in Peace brother.

Officer M. D. Whitlock
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.

February 27, 2011

God bless this Officer and his family. Our hearts are heavy on this day. Rest peacefully Brother.

Lt White
ADOC

February 27, 2011

I did not know Officer Thorton personally, but I give him the highest respect and honor for his unselfish commitment to protect all of us who look to officers like him and other Officers who do the same thing every day to protect citizens like myself. Officers in what ever capacity who give their lives unselfishly to protect us. Thank you! To Officer Thorton's family, my prayers are for you during this time of grief. Plese know, you are lifted up in prayer. Bless you.

Anonymous

February 27, 2011

Rest in peace Brother your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Your a true Hero. Godspeed.

Deputy S. Mackey
El Paso County Sheriff's Office - CO

February 27, 2011

May God Bless the family, friends, and co-workers of CMPD Officer Fred Thornton...May you Rest in Peace! Your “Leadership Legacy" has inspired many leaders to empower the people who matter at work, at home, and in your community...

Captain David Dover
Clover Police Department, Clover SC

February 27, 2011

To Officer Thornton's family, we are so very sorry for your loss! In reading over the very few articles that I was able to find prior to the posting on ODMP I am impressed by the amazing carrer that Officer Thornton had. My families thoughts and prayers go out to yours.

Detective C. Burton
APD

February 26, 2011

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Fred Thornton as well as to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Thornton, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

February 26, 2011

RIP Brother Thornton. Thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and coworkers of Officer Thornton.

Officer William A Mays Jr
Youngstown (OH) State University Police Department

February 26, 2011

A strong vibrant member of ours and his community....gone in an instant. No blame, no accusation. Just condolences to his family, peers, community.
May his memory live on.

E. B.

Trooper E B Watson
WA State Patrol

February 26, 2011

Various news outlets have reported that from all their accounts, Officer Thornton was a NICE person. This is probably not how most officers want to be remembered. Having worked with Fred, he was a great officer, dedicated to the profession and willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. As any great officer would do, Fred molded himself to adapt to any given call for service. He was an informal leader and an asset to the CMPD. With an easy smile behind his sometimes "tough guy" demeanor, I can truly say that Fred Thornton was a really NICE man!

Retired Captain Denise Bridges

February 26, 2011

Rest in peace Brother Fred.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

February 26, 2011

Rest In Peace Brother. Watch over your fellow SWAT brothers as they continue on with the watch. My condolences to your Family and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, NY

February 26, 2011

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for the loss of Officer Thorton. We are praying for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Officer Thortons family. He was truly a hero to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the State of North Carolina.

Major Doug Stocks
Greene County Sheriff's Office NC

February 26, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers to the dear family of Officer Fred Thornton. God Bless him for his long and faithful service to CMPD. Rest in Peace dear Brother, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

February 26, 2011

My heart and prayers go out to the wife,children, family, co-workers and friends.

He gave us his all. May he rest in peace. God watch over you all.

Cathy C. Carter

February 26, 2011

My throughts and prayers go to the family.

SPO III RA Greene (ret CMPD)
NC DMV

February 26, 2011

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

February 26, 2011

May God bless you and your family Officer Thornton. Thank you for all you did keeping people safe. My heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the family and all the brave men and women of the Charlotte-Meckienburg PD.

James H. Hill
Citizen

February 26, 2011