Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

IN MEMORY OF DEPUTY SHERIFF CRUZ THOMAS

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas:

From the beginning of time after Cain killed his brother, Abel, there has been a need for law enforcement officers to protect the weak and to bring evildoers to justice. This work is necessary in a sinful world and is dangerous. In modern times, some six hundred and sixty-six law enforcement officers have given their lives to protect the citizens of the State of Georgia. Today we honor Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas’ sacrifice.

Lord God, we are grateful for the life of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas. He died serving us. Help us never to forget. Help us celebrate Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas’ life and honor his sacrifice. Be with the family, friends, and colleagues of this fallen hero. Comfort them and give them your strength. Guide those who seek to take care of the family of this hero. May those empowered to do so, care for them with integrity. In commemorating the death of this hero, help those who mourn to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition to the glorious life to come. They should look forward to that life to come with joy and thanksgiving.

As for the citizens of Franklin County, help them to faithfully equip their law enforcement officers with the best tools to protect their county. May their training be adequate to the task. Help the citizens of Franklin County to remember to pay their law enforcement officers fairly and treat them with respect. Help the citizens of Franklin County to obey the law and treat each other with dignity so as not to add to the burden of crime and pain to their county.

The time for mourning will soon pass. We have now remembered and celebrated the life lost in this great tragedy. As the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas go forward, they must celebrate the good things in their lives; and to celebrate life itself! Lord God, hear our prayers. Amen.

Now, may the Lord bless you, and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.

In His merciful love,

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department

May 22, 2014

Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas,

When you made your decision to enter law enforcement some years ago you became blessed:

For the Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9 ESV

When you initiated a pursuit of a traffic violator on I-85 within your jurisdiction on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, you answered God's call to serve:

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8 ESV

As a result, your patrol car was cut-off by a tractor-trailer unit causing you to take immediate evasive action. Your patrol car then left the roadway, overturned, and impacted a series of trees; sacrificing your life alone so that others might live and be protected:

And the Lord said, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 ESV

I, along with your family, friends and comrades, will mourn your sacrifice and loss in the line of duty:

And the Lord said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 ESV

Now go! Rise up! And do battle against Satan and his demons as an angel for the Lord!

In God's merciful love,

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

Pastor Steven R. Closs
Retired Captain of Police, Nashua NH Police Department

May 22, 2014

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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 whos 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

May 22, 2014

For Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas:

Our duty as law-officers on-patrol takes us onto one of the deadliest battlefields - a US highway. The cavalcade of carnage continues, taking thousands of lives annually with countless injuries added to the total count, and no amount of training or caution can ensure our safety. We regret that our brother Cruz would be the next casualty to be counted among law-officers performing their duty.
We pray for Cruz's family, friends, co-workers and all those who care about him. May they be ready to reach-out to one another in the days ahead.
We are proud to render Deputy Cruz Thomas, a soldier-of-the-law, a final salute.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police

May 22, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear of the tragedy of Deputy Thomas. I use to be a Ranger at Victoria Bryant State Park several years ago. My families thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Thomas Family in your time of loss. May God lift you up and cradle you in His arms. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort9 with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Patrol Officer Christopher Pope
Middle GA State College Police Department

May 22, 2014

Grew up in Hart County, know Franklin County well. Very sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless you and your family.
RIP brother,

Deputy A Atkinson
RCSO

May 22, 2014

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY CRUZ, AND ALL THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF DEPUTY CRUZ .
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
HIS SERVICE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND HIS DEEDS NEVER FORGOTTEN.
GOD BLESS

Ret PO David Herbert
Toronto Police Service, Ontario Canada

May 22, 2014

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Cruz Thomas. Another Hero taken too soon. May God comfort you and your family as you go and touch the face of God.
Your honorable service and sacrifice and bravery to the citizens of Franklin County, Georgia will not be forgotten. God Speed and God Bless. Rest in Peace Sir.

Final Salute

VIPS 750 Jeff Claybern
Alexandria Kentucky Police Department

May 22, 2014

I am sad to learn of the loss of a hero in Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas. I pray the Lord bless and comfort his family, friends and peers.

JCOS TW Martinez
CYFD/JJS State of New Mexico

May 22, 2014

My condolences go out to Sheriff Thomas & family and the FCSO family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Scott DeMore, Park Ranger
US Army Corps of Engineers-Hartwell

May 22, 2014

RIP Brother

Deputy Anita Price
Bexar County Sheriff's Office, San Antonio, Texas

May 22, 2014

Rest in peace Deputy Thomas. Your devotion, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Prayers for your family during this time in their lives.

retired Police Officer Bob Lester
Midland Texas Police Department

May 22, 2014

IN HONORE CASORUM

Our prayers and thoughts of condolence are with his family, friends, and colleagues. He is gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

May 22, 2014

Rest in Peace Brother

Corporal B.P. SULLIVAN
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

May 22, 2014

Loss of a Brother or Sister in this family never gets easier. Thank you brother for your service and dedication. Prayers for your Father, child, and family. May the lord bring peace and comfort quickly. There are a lot of people that is going to miss you here, but I know you have joined some good company up there.

Brett Wicker

May 22, 2014

May God put his loving arms around Sheriff Stevie Thomas and his family giving them comfort, peace and understanding during this time.

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

Major Walter R. Landrum (Retired 2012)
Bainbridge Public Safety Department

May 22, 2014

May the family's fond memories help them through this difficult time.

Patrol Officer (1979-1984)
Greeley Police Department

May 22, 2014

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 22, 2014

Thank you for your service..My thoughts & prayers are with your family, friends & coworkers...R I P Sheriff Cruz

Val Naugle

May 22, 2014

GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, & FRIENDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNSELFISH SERVICE.

James P. Waggle
Civilian

May 22, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are a Hero Deputy Thomas. Thank you for doing your job. Rest in Peace Dear Brother. God Bless. "HEROES LIVE FOREVER"

CATHERINE A. GARIBAY SANCHEZ
SURVIVING SISTER of DEPUTY SHERIFF
STEVEN GARIBAY EOW 2/10/1987

May 22, 2014

Rest in Peace Deputy Cruz. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow Deputies of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

Susan Ball
Judicial Process Server, Brevard County Sheriff's Office

May 22, 2014

"The Final 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."
Author Unknown

Sergeant Chad Miner
Powell PD, WY

May 22, 2014

God bless Deputy Cruz' family, friends and coworkers and give them strength and peace to get through their grief and pain. Thank you for your service brother.

Sergeant Clark O. Parry
Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, New York

May 22, 2014

Peace to you and your family sir. and thanks for your service. RIP you have done your duty

jennifer phillips
widow of Sgt Ron Phillips

May 22, 2014