Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Brother

Federal Officer John Maffeo
US Dept of Justice- Federal Prisons

February 26, 2011

Rest in Peace Sir.................

Officer Thomas Wiederhold, Retired
Fort Worth Texas PD

February 26, 2011

R I P

K. Brooks
Houston PD

February 26, 2011

I speak for my entire team we are saddened my loss of a fellow brother. Our prayers go out to officer. Thornton's family, and department, may God with you all.

commandrt Anthony Stanley
Gary Police Dept, Indiana

February 26, 2011

I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Fred Thornton during this time of loss. May God grant you peace in your storm and healing to your hearts. We are praying for you here in IL and around the country.

Lisa
Citizen

February 26, 2011

Fred, I am so sorry this happened and if I could trade places I would, I'll see you one day my friend, You're with John, Andy and the guys now, so I get comfort in that buddy.

Ken Hancock
CMPD (ret)

February 26, 2011

what a horrible tragedy.. My prayers go out to the friends and family of Officer Thornton. Rest In Peace Brother.

Invest. Mike Bradford; Ret
Tallahassee PD

February 26, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to your family, police family and friends. You Sir are a hero just by the profession you chose.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 26, 2011

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace and remain in the hearts of your family and all those you have touched!

Ptl. T. Boiarski
Uniontown Police Department

February 26, 2011

My family would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow co-workers of P.O. Fred Thornton~you're in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to carry on and help heal your hearts. May you find comfort and support with those around you. God bless you and rest in peace, Officer Thornton.

Gail M. Pabst
Aunt of a fallen MI P.O. eow 2004

February 26, 2011

Our hearts feel the pain at the loss of our Brother in Blue, but we are comforted by knowing the almighty God will see to it he is comfortable and will never suffer any furhter pain. Rest in peace brother....

Detective BL Wakeland
CMPD

February 26, 2011

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“ uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place. As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say its ok you’re with your eternal partners. A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.

A brother law enforcement officer
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Ret.) LAPD (Ret.)
Jerome County, Idaho (Ret.)

February 26, 2011

Your many years of dedication and service to your community are greatly appreciated.God bless your family and look over them. Brother, we now have the watch. Godspeed.

Deputy R. L. Matthews NC
Father of Deputy C. Brian Matthews EOW 9-30-05

February 26, 2011

May god watch over your family and keep them safe.

PO Lara
Greenburgh PD SWAT

February 26, 2011

Officer Thornton, your watch is ended. May our Heavenly Father watch over your family and friends during this tragic time. May your soul walk carefully and proudly into everlasting life. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in God’s peace my friend, you deserve it.
REV

Chaplain Michael Grinnals
Camillus Police Department

February 26, 2011

My sincere condolences to the family and brother officers of Officer Thornton. A tragic loss to the law enforcement community and especially to his family. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will not be forgotten.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 26, 2011

Rest in peace brother.

Y-7
US Border Patrol

February 26, 2011

You have served Gods children in your community with honor,
professionalism, love, dignity and integrity. These traits will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters left behind. They will keep your name and honor alive for years to come and they will also care for your family. Your new assignment is with all our brothers and sisters who have also paid the ultimate in our profession. Rest in peace faithful brother. In Christ.

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD, AZ State Chap. FOP

February 26, 2011

It is with a heavy heart I read about Officer Thornton's passing. I am grateful for the many years of service and sacrifice he gave to the people of NC and I am filled with sadness for the family, friends, and coworkers he leaves behind.

I would like to express my and my families sincerest condolences for those who knew and loved this officer.

Anonymous

February 26, 2011

I have known you for 20. You will be missed. RIP 1*

Det. S.D.Wetphal

February 26, 2011

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

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 (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 26, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with the family,friends,and fellow LEO'S. Thank you for your years of dedicated service

Ret. C/O Michael Gilbert
Iowa Departmenr of Corrections

February 26, 2011

Thank You for your years of service to our country as an officer of the law. Truly you are one of our local American Hero's

Dana Garner
none-supporter of our finest

February 26, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Thornton, his family, friends and the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Thank you for your service Officer Thornton. We've got the watch from here.

Sergeant
Fredericksburg Police Department(VA)

February 26, 2011

To the family, friends and extended law enforcement family a the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, I am sorry for your loss. May Officer Thornton rest in peace.

Reserve Officer L. Brown
Rainier Police Department

February 26, 2011