Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

Capt. Thompson,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New York and our Country as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice I cannot thank you enough and everyone who was lost that day.

shane pyle

August 25, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Continue to rest in peace Mr Thompson. I never met you personally but my family knew you well.

DONNA COOPER-johnson

September 11, 2019

Posted on Queens Daily Eagle September 10, 2019

Court officers honor colleagues who died on 9/11

Sgt. Thomas Jurgens, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Capt. William Harry Thompson died in the World Trade Center.

Eighteen years ago, court officers working in the Manhattan courts or in the old Beaver Street training academy heard that two planes had collided with the World Trade Center towers and sprang into action.

More than 20 officers ran into the building to rescue victims of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Three didn’t make it out.

Capt. William Harry Thompson, Sgt. Mitchel Wallace and Sgt. Thomas Jurgens died on 9/11 and other first responders, including Court Officer Lt. Theodore “Teddy” Leoutsakos, died from injuries and illnesses related to their experience at Ground Zero. Their memory lives on through service and an annual ceremony.

Court officers will gather Wednesday in the ceremonial courtroom of the Queens Criminal Courthouse to honor their heroic colleagues and to remember all who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony at Queens Criminal Court is one of several events taking place at courts around the city and state, said Chief Joseph Baccellieri, Jr., the commanding officer/chief of training at the New York State Court Officers Academy.

“A lot of locations put together their own local way of paying homage to everyone we lost on 9/11,” Baccellieri said. “A lot of them are locally done by the people who work at those facilities. There will be moments of silence, small ceremonies.

The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.
The flag that draped Captain William Harry Thompson’s body when he was taken from Ground Zero and his official shield and the jewelry that was recovered with him. Photo courtesy of Joseph Baccellieri.

The state court system’s official ceremony will take place at the Captain William H. Thompson, Sergeant Thomas Jurgens and Sergeant Mitchel Wallace New York State Court Officers Academy in Brooklyn, which opened late last year. The academy is named for the three officers who died in 9/11.

Baccellieri said the academy graduated the largest class of new court officers in state history. The 240 recruits began their training in February and will observe their first 9/11 ceremony in their careers.

Deputy Chief Administrative Judge George Silver, the acting administrative judge in Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term, had the idea of moving the ceremony to the Brooklyn academy, Baccellieri said.

“At some point, [Silver] said, ‘Why don’t we have our ceremony at this magnificent facility that was dedicated to them,” Baccellieri said. “We hope to have it here from now on.”

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Vito C. Caruso, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina Mendelson, Chief of Public Safety Michael Magliano, Silver and Baccellieri will all be in attendance

Baccellieri was one of the first court officers to arrive at the World Trade Center. He and two colleagues entered the North Tower and climbed the stairs, pausing to assist people.

Baccellieri said he and the officers reached the 51st floor of the building when they felt the building shake. The South Tower, where Thompson was working to rescue people, had just collapsed.

Workers at Ground Zero eventually recovered Thompson’s jewelry, including a special anchor pendant, which they delivered to his family.

“Thompson has two sons, each of them had an anchor, so recovering it had extra special meaning,” Baccellieri said.

In 2015, Leoutsakos, a court officer lieutenant, died from pancreatic cancer related to his experience as a Ground Zero first responder.

Later that year, the city renamed the corner of 29th Street and 21st Avenue in Astoria “Theodore Leoutsakos Way” in a special ceremony attended by Leoutsakos’ family and local lawmakers Michael Gianaris and Costa Constantinides.

The street sign is located near the home of Leoutsakos, who served as a court officer for 24 years.

“We are so honored to have the street my family has lived on for 47 years co-named in our father’s honor. Our father was a man who believed in serving his community and country,” Leoutsakos’ daughters Stacey, Cynthia and Stephanie said in a statement. “Today is a celebration of my father and a proud day for our entire family.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

September 10, 2019

Rest in peace Captain Thompson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 30, 2019

I heard this quote and it suties you , BRAVERY is not the ABSENCE OF FEAR but ACTION in the FACE of FEAR.

Kaitlyn Lengel

March 10, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of everyone who misses and loves Captain Thompson. The reflections left by your colleague are a testament to your character, your integrity, and your professionalism. We will never forget the sacrifice made by each of the 9/11 heroes.

Rest In Peace

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

July 7, 2018

Capt. Thompson,
On today, the 15th anniversary of your death you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow fallen Officers and other First Responders who died that day for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City and our Country as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2016

Harry you and me worked together in Bronx criminal court , remember Mark Scheer . Remember working out together . You were a real peace officer not like the militarized police of today. You died a true hero and I know you are with God in Heaven . God bless you Harry and the best to your family.

SCO Mark Scheer
Bronx Supreme Court

September 10, 2014

RIP

Court Officer
MA Trial Court

June 2, 2013

You, as always are remembered

Pat
Civilian, Manchester, NH

September 11, 2012

I proudly wear a braclet every day since 2001 with Capt. William Harry Thompson's name on it. I never knew him but I love him and thank of him and his family often.

JoAnn Bjorkman

September 7, 2012

To Capt. Thompson's family-

Thank you for the wonderful hero he was. I know to you that is just how he was, a man of honor who served other people. But to the rest of the world he is a true hero. As we pay our respects on the 10th anniversary our thoughts and prayers will remain with you have him. Thank you again. It was because of him and all of the other men and women in law enforcement who did so much on that day that I followed in their footsteps. Thank you again.

Officer Steve Peterson

September 8, 2011

I just read your story. Wow. Your family must be so very proud of you. Rest easy on the streets of heaven until your family and friends can get with you.

God Speed.

Heather
None

June 3, 2010

Missing you as the years go buy. Wishing I could hear you to tell me 'take the stairs Jim'. When I think of you, I do. May it keep me healthy to live longer for the years you lost. You went without hesitation. I followed, but your tower fell first. I keep you and Tommy,and Mitch in my heart always. Love, your brother officer, Dr'Bone'
P.S. Your sons are doing great-Just great.

Sgt. James Bonello
NYS Courts

January 10, 2010

To the family and loved ones of Captain William Thompson and his fellow officers and most especially to William:

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the eighth anniversary month of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire. Your family had to endure losing a beloved hero and how I wish they had not had to endure this tragedy.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service William gave to his community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 11, 2001.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg Police Department, CA; eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 19, 2009

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Very much remembered. Love El

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

Always in our hearts. Be Blessed.
El

El "yucca"

September 11, 2009

Capt. Thompson,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all your fellow LEOs who were also killed that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Captain Thompson and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

January 12, 2009