Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We remember not only that you died, but you also lived and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. The reality is that we continue to grieve. We have never "gotten over" the loss of you; we've only learned to live with it. If there's any consolation to be felt here, it is that Patrolman Thompson was a hero and HEROES LIVE FOREVER.

REGINA L LAFFERTY
Family

April 5, 2023

Patrolman 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 Salem. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 5, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your courage, sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson(Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 5, 2020

When a loved one is murdered those who are left live a night that doesn't end . . .

Regina Lafferty
Family

January 1, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Thompson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2019

Your city honors your bravery and dedication today, on the anniversary of your death. You are not forgotten. Rest In Peace.

Detective Sergeant Ret. Robert Walker
Richmond Police Department

April 5, 2019

Today "A" Shift honors you Officer Thompson by dedicating our watch to you on the 43rd anniversary of your sacrifice. R.I.P. brother, you will never be forgotten

Sgt. J.L. Slaughter
Radford City Police Department

April 5, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year 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
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 5, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 5, 2010

Officer, Thompson
May you continue to rest in eternal peace forever. You are not forgotten.........

Corporal D. W. Reichhardt
Waverly, Va. Police Department

April 5, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 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 7, 2008

Although the years have passed since you left us, you are always in our hearts and thoughts. I just know that granddaddy and Charlie are having the best time with you in Heaven.

A Niece

November 26, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, and nobility. You will never be forgotten.

August 16, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make are never forgotten. Patrolman Thompson, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

December 13, 2006

You are not forgotten.

December 5, 2006

I just read the kind thoughts from the family of this hero in response to the death of an Avery County (NC) deputy being killed on 2-20-03. I am sorry that after all these years you have to still mourn the death of your beloved family member. I am sure your thoughts will bring comfort to the family. Your kindness is amazing and honors your slain family member. You are also a tru hero for keeping his memory alive. May God Bless you all.

Police Sergeant, Charlotte, NC

Anonymous