Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Every time I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Thornton. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. (The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. I can also be found on Face Book.) You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Fred, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Fred's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Fred's life was about so much more than the way he died. Fred will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Officer Thornton, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been eight years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

March 12, 2011

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Officer Fred Thornton and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department during this time. Thank you, Officer Thornton, for your service.

National Police Wives Association
Staff

March 11, 2011

Rest in peace fellow SWAT brother! We will take care of things from here.

SCSO SRT

Operator
SCSO Special Response Team

March 11, 2011

Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your Family and your Dept.

Officer Bob Swope #5609
Olmsted Falls Police Dept.Ohio

March 10, 2011

While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Thornton.

While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Patrol Officer Ryan McNeil
Medicine Lodge (KS) Police Department

March 9, 2011

Rest in peace, brother.

Officer R. Law
Rocklin PD

March 8, 2011

Prayers to Officer Thornton's family and friends, as well to the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. RIP.

Emily
NE

March 8, 2011

Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

Greater love hath no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9/20/08

Anonymous

March 7, 2011

God bless you for your selflessness. Although your family and the Department is in shock and mourning, they have to take pride in the fact that you were heroic every second of your career. God bless all who wear a badge doing a frightening job only to serve and protect the public.

Mother of an Officer
Colorado Springs Police Department

March 5, 2011

RIP brother.

Officer
PCBPD - FL

March 5, 2011

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer II Dan Vaquero
San Diego Police Department

March 4, 2011

Rest In Peace Brother...

Sgt.
BART Police Department, CA.

March 4, 2011

REST IN PEACE.

INVESTIGATOR BOB CAMERON
CLEVELAND HTS PD (OHIO)

March 4, 2011

On behalf of the men and women of the Sandy Springs Police Department and Chief Terry Sult - Officer Thornton, his family, friends, and co-workers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, are in our thoughts and prayers.

Officer D. Johns
City of Sandy Springs Police, Georgia

March 3, 2011

Fred was at our facility with Med-1 in June 2008. He always had a smile. He was very proud of what he did as an officer and while he was with Med-1. He touched alot of people during the short time he was here. We are very sorry for your loss.

Jenny Noblitt
Columbus Regional Hospital

March 3, 2011

His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, 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 tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got 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 an unmanly tear.
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 often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

Author unknown

May God be with everyone

Motor Officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano, TX

March 3, 2011

Rest in peace brother, your sacrifice will never be forgotten......

Detective Edward Carlile
Northfield PD (OH)

March 3, 2011

As I watched the procession for Officer Thornton I cried. The respect of not only Mecklenburg County residents and officers but the officers and citizens who traveled to pay their respects was amazing.

To the family (both at home and CMPD) - know that you have an angel watching over you. He would not want you to be sad but to honor him by continuing his work.

Officer Thornton - thank you for the years of service you provided. Rest now - your watch here is complete. God Bless you and your family.

Kevin and Debby Allen

March 3, 2011

God Bless you sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO

March 3, 2011

As a Trooper of 24 years, and 11 year SERT Member,we know that these unfortunate incidents occurr when you are involved as a police officer or rescue person. We pray for the family and friends and team mates and hope they remember the good times the jokes and smiles.

TFC Paul Semler
Pa State Police

March 3, 2011

I just want to say he was a great individual with a lot of heart. His constant concern for others is what made him such a great asset to all who kew him. He will be missed.

Nicholas Little
U.S. Navy

March 2, 2011

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I stand side by side with the Maple Leaf on the worlds longest undefended border.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am honored - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected -- and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon Vietnam.
Know me,
I was there.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me, And I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt,
for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country. And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.
But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all
of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldiers,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

Anonymous

March 2, 2011

You fought the good fight, rest in peace Brother. May God show his mercy and grace on your family, friends, and coworkers.

Det. John Creamer
Daytona Beach Police SWAT Team

March 2, 2011

Only God knows the pain in your hearts right now. I am so sorry for your loss. My son is a Monroe, N C police officer and that make you family. I pray that God will ease your pain and that you will know he will never be forgotten.

CINDI PURSER
MOTHER OF MPD OFFICER 479

March 2, 2011

rest in peace. you stood your watch well. God bless.

Det. castelhano
mount vernon ny police

March 2, 2011