Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Thomason,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 8, 2023

Chief Thomason your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the City of Potts Camp and the citizens you were sworn to protect! Continue to rest in peace my fellow LE Brother!
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, TroopD

May 8, 2016

Today, on National Peace Officer's Memorial Day I remember my friend. He is still missed and remembered. There was never a doubt that he would be there to help you whenever you needed him.

Lt. David Eubank (Ret.)
Mississippi Dept. of Transportation, Office of Law Enforcement

May 15, 2015

Your Sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens and town of Potts Camp!
Continue to rest in Peace Chief Thomason.
"Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

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

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

May 8, 2015

Joe I miss the late nights hanging out with you and my grandfather Lamar Kelly. You had some of the most interesting stories I had ever heard. You are greatly missed by all keep Heaven safe until I get there then I'll take ove

Partoleman
Shannon P.D. Friend of Big Joe's

April 10, 2014

in 1992/93 i meet for the first time my mother`s brother. Big Joe. i was in aww of how big he stood and yet was so calm. spent a whole week with him and my grandfather, and mom. Had just meet this man, and was in amasment of how we got along after only just meeting.
A few months later found out the horrible news. This week a officer was killed in Indianapolis. and all i have thought about is Joe and his family.. and how that felt when we were there for the funeral. hearing the 10-42 today made me cry. I miss you joe, and i wish we could be fishing in that lil pond you told me about that we never got to go.. i miss you and wish you were here

Don Griffith
Nephew of joe.

September 26, 2013

Twenty years ago, my husband, Jim, also a police officer lost his best friend, Joe. Our family loved Joe and our son was named for Joe. Our "Joey" was born in March and Joe died in May without us ever having the chance for Joe to meet our Joey. We just imagined Joe being around forever. He was the best. We love and miss you, Joe. I still remember all the funny stories Jim would tell about your days together in Fulton. You used to wave at me over the top of the patrol car every morning as I went to work in the bank across the street from the Fulton PD. We miss you Joe.....

Lisa Brown
wife of police officer James L. Brown, Sr.

May 8, 2013

Joe Jr. ,

I knew your father real well he worked for my Grandfather (Lamar Kelly) at Verona. He was by far one of the best Police Officers I'd ever seen. I based my Law Enforcement career around Joe and Bill they were the best. We still to this day keep your family in our prayers because a loss of a father and a hero is never forgotten. I always have said that Joe, Bill and Lamar are all drinking coffee and policeing in Heaven. Take care and God Bless.

Eddie Beasley

Patrolman Joseph (Eddie) Beasley
Shannon Police Department

October 28, 2011

I am Joe Thomason Jr, son of Chief Thomason. I want to thank everyone for the kind remarks of my dad. He truly was my hero growing up. He still is and always will be. We should always remember what it is police officers do for a living and how they put their lives on the line for us each and every day. My dad was a very special man who I will always love and miss dearly. Thanks again and please everyone... dont forget police Chief Joe Thomason.

Joe M. Thomason, Jr.
son of Chief Thomason

April 19, 2010

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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 4, 2007

It was an honor to work in your place. I became an officer for the town after you were already gone. I'm so sorry this happened to you. Although the department never did name a successor, I will always consider you my Chief. Rest in peace brother.

Officer Steven W. Lopez
Former Potts Camp PD Officer

December 16, 2006

To Chief of Police Joe Thomason, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

As the thirteenth anniversary of your tragic death approaches, please know that your memory is revered and honored.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family.


Chief Thomason, as a peace officer you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Chief Thomason. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many years of distinquished service Chief Thomason gave to his community and the citizens of Mississippi, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on May 8, 1993.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 8, 2006

It has been thirteen years since the end of your watch. You are still remembered. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Potts Camp and the citizens of Mississippi. Rest in peace my brother. May God bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 8, 2006

Over twelve years have passed since we lost our friend Joe. Joe was not only our friend but he was everyones ... the type of law enforcement officer who wholeheartedly gave his all to protect and serve.

"It is worthwhile to live
and fight courageously for sacred ideals."

Rest in peace Chief.

January 23, 2006

Rest in peace