Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Friday, September 2, 1994
Reflections for Sergeant Patrick Devon Thompson
Pat's Mom is 91 and can still remember incidences from his childhood! He must have been a copy of Dennis the Menace, which is no surprise to me. I'll always miss him.
Billie M. Thompson
Wife
August 5, 2013
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
August 6, 2012
Uncle Pat,
You were always a man to be honored and respected - and you've left behind a legacy far greater than you could have ever imagined. Yes, there is a hole that cannot be filled in this lifetime, but the glorious thing, is that this lifetime is not all there is.
See you on the other side,
Love,
Crystal
Crystal
Niece
September 4, 2011
I'm still has proud of you as I was almost 17 years ago as I think of you and all the Officers who have lost their lives. So many officers are being killed lately. Your youngest daughter has joined her brothers in law enforcement....what a surprise...She's got what it takes though. I don't make it to the Memorials anymore, but I certainly think about you and all our beloved officers everyday...to Serve and Protect...this is not just a job...it has to be a love for humanityl
Billie Thompson
spouse
May 9, 2011
I know your watching over us.
Park Ranger I Rachel Thompson
AZ State Parks
May 5, 2010
Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. You must be very proud that your family is continuing your legacy of protecting and serving.
I hold your family in thought and prayer today, and pray for solace to their grieving hearts.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Anonymous
September 2, 2009
Please be by my side as I work on my journey to follow in your footsteps!
Rusty
Daughter
March 16, 2009
RIP
Anonymous
September 8, 2008
14 years later and it seems like yesterday.I wish you where here to see your grandaughter! She is quite the character. Love you forever!
Rusty Thompson
Daughter
September 2, 2008
Sgt. Thompson,
On today, the 14th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Santa Cruz County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
September 2, 2008
Rest in Peace, Sergeant Thompson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
May 17, 2008
It seems to me its been a nother year that always makes me think of you and all the others in the line of duty what a sacrifice thay make. You are missed.
Ranger I
AZ Park Ranger daughter
May 4, 2008
Wow! Another May 15 is coming up. It's always been a bitter sweet day. I hope to make it to the county memorial this year. Would you believe one of the guys you trained is a judge now? It's only fitting. I know you had planned on doing the same thing when you retired. There's no way you would have been able to keep out of Law Enforcement.I really miss your stories and I still need to hear the ones about you.Missing you forever, Billie
Billie Thompson
Wife
April 29, 2008
Dad,
It's been a while since I last visited. I am 31 years old now, and I'm not sure where the time went. I have been thinking about you a lot lately and can't understand why things happen. This isn't the way things where supposed to be. I wish you where here! One day we will be together again.
Rusty Thompson
Youngest Child
January 26, 2008
"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
November 18, 2007
You may be to fare to hug or touch . But your voice is never to fare . I hear the same words you once said to me . I hear them coming out of mine . I can see you in others eyes . FUNNY . But theirs a look that I can pike out from a crowed . A man that is a police officer that's been their done that and made it to retirement. So many don't make it but the few Lucky do truly make it. Do they know how lucky they are. Do family's now how blessed they are to have a Peace officer in their life. I do love the saying that peace officers are Guardian Angels and protectors of peace. Because I now your mine.
love ya DAD .
No matter how many years go bye I will always miss you
Park Ranger I Rachel McKay
AZ State Parks
September 19, 2007
Pat, just wanted to take a minute to let you know we will always think about you everyday and I was so pleased to see that a few of your old friends have left fond memories of you. If I could remember all the stories about you, it would fill a book. 13 years now, always loving you, Billie
Billie
wife
September 7, 2007
Seems almost like yesterday when you and I worked drug cases together. I remember the long nights on survailences in the San Rafiel Valley and other places. I also remember the many times you and Steve Patty played tricks on each other,like the time the hawk hit you in the back of the head and how you thought at once it was Patty. Out of instinct I always say "Hey Pat", every timeI pass your roadside marker (MP18) We will not forget you
Special Agent Jim Locke
US Customs Service
March 14, 2007
I remeber the times we worked together at Patagonia Lake with the State Parks.
I remebr the good times when you worked the east end of Santa Cruz County and I worked the west side of Cochise.
Good bless you and your family.
Retired Deputy Brad Geeck
Cochise County & Az State Parks, Friend
March 8, 2007
Pat, another year has come and gone. I can't believe its been 12 years. You'd be so proud of me. I've become very independent and self-sufficient.The Kids have all made their way very well. Your Mom is still the feisty ole' lady she's always been. There is one thing I can tell you you're not missing and that's getting older.I bet all your old buddies at the S.O. would tell you the same thing. Everybody is getting a little grey or alot grey as the case may be. I sure miss them too. I know you watch after them. I can still see you, chewing on sun flower seeds, laughing and kidding them, and telling one of your stories. Oh I miss you.
Billie Thompson
Wife
October 14, 2006
The weather starts to change and sesions come and go . I remember you.If it rains to hard , When I desagree with my kids our husband , I hear you telling me pull over it well be okay. Every year wen it gets close to your passing. I well alaways wonder about what could have been.I owe it all to you and mom for guiding me the right way. We all love and miss you.
Rachel McKay(Thompson)
AZ State Parks
August 16, 2006
Pat, you're still the love of my life. We're coming up on what would have been our 40th wedding anniversary, but I'm very glad we had 28 years together and 4 great kids. I don't sit and dwell on the past, but it's nice to remember the good times and I see you everytime I see our children.
I haven't been to the Law Enforcement memorial in quite a while, but I always watch for news about it and yes, I grieve for the wives and families every time an officer makes that ultimate sacrifice. I remain silent as you know, but I understand the pain. Thank you for becoming the person I always believed you were. It was a rocky road for a while, but worth it. And so, I go on and life is not unhappy. Miss you, Billie
Billie Thompson
wife
June 20, 2006
Dad, You have not died you live on in our heart and thoughts. From coast to coast I have been reminded by Officer and friends who were touched by you. I have even heard you refered to as a legend. My Dad the legend, you have always a legend in my mind and my heart.
Ofc. Christopher Thompson
Pascua Yaqui PD
September 2, 2005
Pat, Friday the 13th of Sept. 1991 was the day you were shot, point blank to the chest while assisting your men. I remember that you said while you were in the hospital that God had tapped you on the shoulder and said "One more chance". You took that chance and ran with it. You touched so many childrens live with DARE camp and Lucky, your drug dog. Your together now. Love you and miss you.
Billie Thompson, Wife
August 31, 2005
I don't see how I make it through the day without thinking about you. I miss you dearly and wish you could play with your spit fire grandaughter. She has that Thompson attitude! I ask that you guide me when I'm lost and pick me up when I am down. Help me be strong because you always did when you where here. Never will I say goodbye. I will love and miss you always!
Rusty Thompson
August 30, 2005
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