Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Thomas,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Franklin County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 21, 2024

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 20, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

May 23, 2020

Great young man

Polly burns
Friend

May 21, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 11, 2018

Cruz and his family are not forgotten. I miss him and think about him often.

Kevin McCook
Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

August 29, 2017

Rest in Peace

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

May 21, 2017

The Niagara County (NY) Sheriff's Office remembers Deputy Cruz Thomas on this 3rd anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice.

Sheriff Jim Voutour
Niagara County Sheriff

May 21, 2017

Cruz, I can't believe it's been 2 years since I received the phone call that would forever change my life and so many others. On this anniversary it was tragic and I was 10 hours away with absolutely nothing that I could do but think about you and your family, and how I would cope with the news. I still haven't found a way deal with it but I guess I have learned to manage. I will never ever forget how much of a public servant you were. Whether you were in your deputy uniform answering calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, or responding to first responder calls, or fighting fires as a firefighter, you were truly a standout in our community and we were blessed to have you. You made us safer everyday and I wish I could count how many nights you were off and called asking me if I needed you to go 10- 8. That was the type of person you were, always there whenever anybody needed you. Brother I miss you more than you could ever imagine, but as you know you and I still have our time when we are slow in the middle of the night and I come see you . Things are not the same without you but I know that you are in a better place, looking after all of us. We continue to have the watch here, and may you still rest peacefully knowing that your work on earth has been completed. Again, I miss you buddy and know we will be serving beside each other again ! Daniel 629

Captain Daniel Smith
Franklin County Sheriff's Department

May 22, 2016

WE ALL MISS YOU CRUZ, I MISS TALKING TO YOU AND SEEING YOU SMILE ALL THE TIME. GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE IN HEAVEN AND OH YEA, HAVE A GREAT TIME IN HEAVEN. SEE YOU SOMEDAY BUDDY!!!!

CPL. MICHAEL HOLLOWAY #4504
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

May 22, 2016

I think of you often. Miss you Cruz!

Asst. Chief Matt London
Lavonia Police Dept.

May 21, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 21, 2015

Deputy Steven LaCruz "Cruz" Thomas,

Though I have never met you, I'm am riding in the 2015 Police Unity Tour with Chapter 1 out of East Hanover New Jersey. I am riding in your memory and honor. Please look after all of our fellow officers during these tough times and during the Tour.

Rest Easy, we have it from here,

Respectfully,

Officer Matthew Heck #398
Maryland Park Police
Prince George's County Division
Southern Area Patrol
Squad 51

May 9, 2015

You are not forgotten and your family is still prayed for.

Darlene Newton
friend of Story County Sheriff's Office

May 3, 2015

Cruz man this really hit home for me man. It is crazy to think someone you got to know really well is now gone for ever. I enjoyed all of the laughs we had, going through the academy and the good times. Just know you may be gone but you will forever be remembered. Rest in peace and we will meet again.

Sgt. Adam Deyton
Union County Sheriff's Office

April 19, 2015

Thank you for your service and sacrifice you are very missed by me and all that knew you RIP.

Sgt Wanda Fountain
Fcdc

March 25, 2015

Cruz was a huge impact in our community from fighting fires to protecting the citizens. I looked up to Cruz the past years the sheriffs department would put on a junior deputy academy at the middle school and I'd always go and help during the week with the kids. Well every week on Thursday Cruz and Antwune would drive the fire truck there and let the kids play in the water I'd always talk to him about what I wanted to do after high school and he always told me to follow my dreams.! And from then on his words are still in my head. He is defiantly an icon in our community and defiantly a hero to me! Fly High 612! Your defiantly missed by many!! Rest easy brother! -692

Detention officer Ryan Ervin
Franklin county sheriffs department

March 25, 2015

Cruz Thomas was the first person that befriended my son, Bradley Love just after we moved to the Franklin County area. Their relationship led to my employment with the Sheriff's Office and personal friendship with the family. I had the honor to watch him grow into a fine young man and a good Deputy. My son became a Paramedic with Franklin County and was their with him at the end. He left quite a legacy for his time on this earth and it was my honor to have know him and to serve with him. Miss you young man.

Deputy Jeff Love
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

March 25, 2015

Deputy Steven "Cruz" Thomas-
I just want to tell you a story about Cruz's life.
He grew up with a father that was Sheriff, Police Chief, fireman, EMT-
It startes about a young fireman, a young first responder, and a deputy Sheriff that had to please two Georgia Sheriff's and loving daddy to his little girl!
I saw this young man grow up and saw many changes in his life. He trained everyday for something. When he was not at the Sheriff's Office he would be With Pat at station #2
training something Ems,fire, or first responder or just wanting to be better.
Many times I would show up at an accident and he would be holding c-spine or holding a child until their parents would arrive on the scene or this young public servant would just ride in to help.
But I also saw him in his brightness hour. One night when there was a house fire and a lady was trapped up stairs and when I arrived I saw two fireman exiting the burning house carrying a body and they placed her on the ground. The fireman begin CPR on her and after a few with the assistance of others they got her back! She had a pulse and transported her to the hospital!
As this young fireman turned and he make eye contact with me, he winked. I was very proud of him!
As his law enforcement training he was always ready to go to a school and he had to wait his turn, by still kept that burning of the public servant heart!
He was trained as a fireman by his great uncle and many chief's and training officers. He passed the Georgia Fireman 101 then he was 15 years old, I know because I took the class with him. I ended it by saying , I am very proud of the young man , first for all he has done for all his friends and citizens he had met!
Deputy Steven "Cruz" Thomas, as of May 21,2014 he made his last trip north bound on I-85 in Franklin County Georgia attempting to stop a violator and that next moment he started patrolling the street of a Heaven,
but most of all because this young man worked for me and if you don't know by now he was also my Son !
I love you Son

Sheriff Steve Thomas
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

March 22, 2015

Cruz,
Bubba. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and miss you beyond words. Growing up you were always by my side and always helped me no matter the issue. I still feel you be side me through everything. Mama and dad miss you bad but I know your still with us. I'll make you proud 612.. Fly Hugh my hero!!

Love always,

Sister Desiree' Thomas
#612

February 10, 2015

Cruz,

Brother, I went to by a new holster the other day and couldn't help but think of all your endless holster reviews. I miss you buddy and I know that all of class 249 feels the same. You're my hero brother. Thanks for all the laughs. Rest easy brother.

Ofc. Kyle Bettis

October 20, 2014

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice, it will never be forgotten. May God keep your family in His arms.

Special Agent #8268
US Homeland Security Investigations, Phoenix, AZ

September 6, 2014

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

Ptlm Frank Kapusta
Mohawk PD

July 21, 2014

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

Ptlm Frank Kapusta
Mohawk PD

July 21, 2014

Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family, friends and co-workers. May God provide them comfort.

CTO Bush
Campbell County VA

July 11, 2014