Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas and the extended law enforcement family of the Franklin County (Georgia) Sheriff's Office. Rest in Peace brother and watch over us.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends".

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

June 19, 2014

Rest in Peace Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas. Thank you for your service to this country and your community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your department at this time.

Chief Reuben C. Black
Barnwell Police Dept., Barnwell, SC

June 12, 2014

Deputy Sheriff Cruz,

Rest well in the presence of God. You joined the Heavenly ranks of all those who chose to "Protect and Serve".

To Your Family,

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray:

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, family and loving, caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name, Amen”

I have lifted you and your family to God every morning for the past three years. Feel those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Our faith helps us see beyond the grave.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

June 7, 2014

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Cruz was killed.

To the Thomas family, fellow deputies, and all who call Cruz beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Deputy Thomas gave to his community and the citizens of Georgia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 21, 2014.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

June 7, 2014

Our condolences go out to family and friends. We are with in this time of reflection. A true hero and brother in blue

Officer Edwin Lara / External Ops
Cook County Sheriffs Office, IL- Honor Guard

June 3, 2014

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office during this time. Thank you, Deputy Thomas, for your service.

Staff
National Police Wives Association

June 2, 2014

Deepest sympathy and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Sheriff Thomas. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Sgt. J Walter
Richmond PD Virginia

June 1, 2014

RIP Brother 1042.

Det. JP McGrath(retired)
Schenectady, NY

May 30, 2014

Please keep the gates of Heaven open for the rest of us


RIP my Brother

Cpl. Robert L. Padgett Motor 67
Charles County Sh. Office, MD

May 29, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Supervisory FAM, Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 29, 2014

Rest in peace brother in blue

Detective Jason Cirbo
Douglas County, Colorado Sheriff's Office

May 29, 2014

God's peace and speed Deputy Thomas. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service. RIP Brother.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

May 28, 2014

Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. My prayers are with your family and friends.

Trooper
Georgia State Patrol

May 28, 2014

Wishing for all of you peace and comfort today and in the many difficult days ahead. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker, Director, Govt Relations
Georgia Board of Pardons & Paroles

May 28, 2014

Rest In Peace Brother

Captain Steve Yancey
Forest Hill Police Department, TX

May 28, 2014

At the funeral home Saturday night we watched while hundreds waited patiently for hours to pay their respects to Deputy Cruz Thomas and his family.
On Sunday one of the speakers mentioned Deputy Thomas would often start a conversation “Daddy Said”.
What an honor for a father to remember how much his son loved him by a simple phrase “Daddy Said”
I humbly dedicate what is written below to Deputy Cruz Thomas a son a father and brother officer.
612
The bagpipes played a hero's walk.
612 is going home.
Black horses pulled a caisson slowly.
With a precious burden bound for Glory.
The Flag was folded with respect.
As a brother officer was laid to rest.
Volleys echoed across the field.
And rows of officers stood very still.
Overhead the missing man flew.
While radio tried to reach 612.
He now patrols Streets of Gold.
612 made it home.

Deputy Grady Stanfield
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Father Of:
Deputy Kevin Stanfield
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Sr.Deputy Grady Stanfield
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office

May 28, 2014

At the funeral home Saturday night we watched while hundreds waited patiently for hours to pay their respects to Deputy Cruz Thomas and his family.
On Sunday one of the speakers mentioned Deputy Thomas would often start a conversation “Daddy Said”.
What an honor for a father to remember how much his son loved him by a simple phrase “Daddy Said”
I humbly dedicate what is written below to Deputy Cruz Thomas a son a father and brother officer.
612
The bagpipes played a hero's walk.
612 is going home.
Black horses pulled a caisson slowly.
With a precious burden bound for Glory.
The Flag was folded with respect.
As a brother officer was laid to rest.
Volleys echoed across the field.
And rows of officers stood very still.
Overhead the missing man flew.
While radio tried to reach 612.
He now patrols Streets of Gold.
612 made it home.

Deputy Grady Stanfield
Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
Father Of:
Deputy Kevin Stanfield
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Sr.Deputy Grady Stanfield
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office

May 28, 2014

Our Honor Guard Unit attended Deputy Thomas' funeral. What an outstanding law enforcement officer! The people were genuine with their kind words and adoration for this fine young man. Our hearts were heavy for the Thomas family both professionally and personally. May you find comfort and peace in God's love.

J.Dent-Fitzpatrick, Lt.
Columbus Georgia Police Department

May 27, 2014

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. REST IN PEACE.

POLICE OFFICER
NAPERVILLE IL POLICE DEPT

May 27, 2014

R.I.P. BROTHER Thomas!!!

Nebraska Poice Officer

May 27, 2014

Rest In Peace!

Lt. John Fortune (Retired)
Panama City Police Department, FL

May 27, 2014

Rest in peace Brother Cruz.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

May 27, 2014

Our sympathy and prayers goes out the friends and family of Deputy Sheriff Thomas. May his soul rest in peace.

Zone Five Academy Session 56
New York State Zone Five Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

May 27, 2014

Rest in peace brother. Thoughts and prayers for your family both blue and blood during this difficult time.

Deputy David Post
Reno Co Sheriff's Office Hutchinson, Ks.

May 26, 2014

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas, friends, Sheriff Stevie Thom and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort and hold you close now and always. Thank you for your service.

Patrolman A.S. Batson
Cherry Police Department, NC

May 26, 2014