Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief Thompson, it has been 53 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 12, 2023

Chief Thompson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Manchester. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 12, 2022

Very sorry for your family's terrible loss. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your service in our country's law enforcement. RIP

John Haseltine - Civilian

March 29, 2016

I was fortunate to work in the community of Manchester and hear stories of a quiet, gentle man who treated people with respect. He was clearly a respected law enforcement officer and leader, but even more important a respected human being.

The Manchester Police Department will always remember his sacrifice, and loss. I am pleased that the members and leadership of the Manchester Police Department remember and honor Chief Thompson's legacy.

Chief Christopher Brickell
Brandon Vermont Police Department

December 17, 2014

Grandpa... Know that you are missed immensely and will never be forgotten. Your family and beloved community will never forget your kindness, understanding and love for your fellow man.

Daniel G. Scarlotta Sr.
Grandson

December 10, 2014

Any of us who knew Chief Thompson or lived in Manchester remember that day the same as we remember where we were when President Kennedy was killed. It was a very sad tragic day for his family and the community. Chief Thompson was such a kind, understanding man. As a teen, I was lucky enough to receive his wisdom with an incident I was evolved in. He will never be forgotten.

jerilyn Witt

December 10, 2014

Unce Dana,

I will never forget that fateful night and the anguish that Grandma had when Dad & I had to tell her what happened. Be proud of the Manchester PD and know that you will NEVER be forgotten! Love you and miss you. Linda (Thompson) Spence, Manchester, VT Town Clerk

Linda Spence
niece

December 12, 2012

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

November 24, 2012

Great gandfather thompson even though i dont know you you i have a role in life all that time you spent on the police and how beloved you were. everytime i look at the pic of you on my grandparnts wall or with my mom on you lap or my aunt i think of how great you must have been with that smile with you grandchildern.

Jonathan Cleveland
Great Grandson

May 23, 2012

I miss you still chief, even after almost 40 years. The start that you gave me in the field of Law enforcement , carried me thru almost until retirement age.
Watch over the young ones chief, they need you.

Pat Livingston
EMPLOYEE OF

April 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 13, 2011

Sir, I never had the HONOR of meeting you as you were killed on my 5th birthday. I do however wear with pride, the same uniform you wore all those years. Rest assured you will never be forgoten at Manchester P. D.

Officer Craig L. Watrous, Sr
Town of Manchester Police Department

December 12, 2011

Chief Thompson you are not forgotten by the men and women of the Boston Police Department. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

July 13, 2010

Some 36 years after Chief Thompson's death the community still talks of his senseless murder. Chief Thompson would be proud to know that his mild manner and professionalism is still carried on within the department.

Rest in peace Chief.

Sgt. Michael Hall
Manchester Police Department

December 21, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 1, 2008

Neighbor, you are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

August 13, 2007

I knew of this incident soon after my wife and i started visiting Machester Vermont over 25 years ago. Manchester is not a place where this type of crime takes place especialy involving a Chief of Police. Some 25 years later i would be purchasing a home in the area with a realtor who was a close relation to the chief. My prayers our with chief Thompson i know hes up there with the boys in blue telling war stories.

Retired NYPD Detective Vincent LaPenta
Retired NYPD

February 28, 2007

I want mor info on him and his murder i would have missed him if i would have known him

Dana lee Thompson
grate grandson

October 2, 2006

YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV

July 9, 2004

Chief Thompsom God bless you,
REST IN PEACE

TMP

June 7, 2004