Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James Taylor Thomas

Dania Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, April 19, 1977

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer James Taylor Thomas

Officer Thomas was my partner in Dania prior to his murder. He was a good friend and a loving family man.

I had the distinction of heading up his funeral procession on my police motorcycle from the City of Hallandale.

He is now resting in peace and being remembered.

Jerry Philbrick, Lieutenant
US Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

April 19, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Thomas.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 19, 2019

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

April 20, 2017

I was a friend of James Thomas! I was on of the pallbearers at his Funeral! I will never forget you James! I offten think of you! God Bless RIP! Skip your friend!

Officer Skip Motes
Dania PD Retired/ BSO Co-Worker

April 19, 2013

Time does not heal the pain the hearts or memories of those left behind, you sir are a hero who will not be forgotten. Continue to rest in peace Officer Thomas.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

April 19, 2013

I was speaking to someone about this and happened to find this website.

I can speak in the first person about Jimmy. I worked with him. We worked together in a number of occasions and in special enforcement unit. I still remember the shock of the phone call early one morning from the department and the guy who called telling me what happened.

His funeral service was attended by departments all around the state. I remember having to work that afternoon immediately after the service. Our entire shift was still in the funeral mode for that shift.

Several years ago, I visited the National Memorial in Washington and I made an etching of Jimmy's name.

Some things, you never forget, or get over.
Rest In Peace Jimmy.

Rick Lund ( Fmr. Lieutenant. 73-83)
City of Dania Police Department

July 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 35th 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. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 19, 2012

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. We will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace Officer Thomas.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

April 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Thomas. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

We will never forget the sacrifice you made for all of us. HEROES do live forever and you sir are a hero... Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

April 19, 2011

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

May 7, 2009

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

October 2, 2007

G-d Bless.

April 19, 2007

Rest In Peace, and your bravery will never be forgotten.

OFC. Velez-Ortega
Pembroke Pines Police

June 11, 2006

REST IN PEACE

October 13, 2004

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.