Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace and always know that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.

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

September 15, 2020

A brave man. May you always be remembered.

L.W. Monts de Oca
Lakeland P. D.

April 20, 2020

Deputy Thrift thank you for your service and the price you paid for freedom.
Julian

No rank
Citizen

September 19, 2019

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Thrift.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 7, 2019

RIP, may your soul rest in Heaven Deputy Rufus Thrift.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 19, 2018

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 27, 2016

Deputy Thrift gave his life protecting my Great Grand Father William Marshall Duncan and my Grand Father Marshall Duncan detailed in the article the Baxter Rebellion. I will always be thankful for his heroic action during this tragic event, without his bravery I nor my family would never existed. I have tried to find out if his murders were ever brought to justice but have found little evidence of the trial. My son is now a 20 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police and we honor Deputy Thrifts memory and service.

William M. Duncan
Great Grand son & Grand son of the Duncan's

August 3, 2015

As we come to a special season to remember those who gave all, you sir exemplified exceptional courage in the face of extreme adversity. Your selfless heroic acts will never be forgotten.

Retired Master Deputy David Callin

April 30, 2014

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

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. How awsome it is to read the events of this tragedy from your great-great grandson as it was passed down through the generations. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Thrift, we will never forget....

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

September 15, 2012

I am honored to be a descendant of you. I remember my grandmother telling me the story of what happen, which was told to her by her father, Spencer Thrift, who was the son of Rufus Thrift.

Here is the story of how it was told to me.

The incident occurred during the Baxter Rebellion September 1904. A feud between the Altmans and the Duncans occurred aboard a train where the Duncans had stabbed to death one of the Altman's black employees. In retaliation, the Altmans had killed James Duncan. This riot, as it was called then, had occurred in GA just over the state line.

Later, an attempt to arrest the Altmans by Deputy Rufus Thrift, was resisted with gunfire. Rufus and his posse returned home. At some point shortly after the attempted arrest by Deputy Thrift, a crowd of the Duncan and Altman families had gathered at the home of Deputy Rufus Thrift. Deputy Thrift met the crowd outside with only his revolver in hand. A volley of gunfire was exchanged and Deputy Thrift retreated under his house. Members of the Duncan family went in a pulled Deputy Thrift out and shot Deputy Thrift to death.

So I don't know how accurate this account is but this is the story that has been passed down on my side of the Thrift family.

Paramedic Firefighter Allan Hunsinger
Great-Great Grandson

August 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Thrift. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

No matter how many years have passed, you sir are a hero we will never forget. May you continue to rest in peace Deputy Thrift. Heroes live forever.

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

Deb

September 15, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 105th 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

Anonymous

September 17, 2009

Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

May 7, 2009

Sir, may your sacrifice never be forgotten. God Bless.

September 15, 2005

It is men like Deputy Sheriff Thrift who make this world a better and safer place. Thank you sir for your service.

August 8, 2005

Rest in peace Sir, a hero is never forgotten.

a citizen

March 24, 2005

Deputy Sheriff Thrift,
It has taken over 100 years, but you are finally being honored. I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Baker County.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

March 24, 2005