Officer Down Memorial Page

I miss you a lot Dad. Yesterday was Father's Day and I can't help but remember what a hero and perfect example you were for me all my life.

You never would have liked having so many accolades that were shown to you when you passed away. Your quiet and humble service to your fellow men was the only satisfaction you sought, considering every mission to save others as if they were your own family...

Your life was the epitome of selflessness, love and service, and although your mission has continued in another sphere, you are not forgotten among those who knew you...

I love you Dad - you are forever in my heart...
Kimberlee

Kimberlee Thorne-Waintraub
Daughter
June 21, 2010

You are not forgotten.

Anonymous
September 20, 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
March 31, 2008

I was heavily involved in the search for my uncle for three days. In fact, the whole family was gathered together on the weekend he died for the marriage of his daughter. It was an amazing swing of the emotional pendulum to gather together for his daughter's wedding one day then all regroup a day later to begin the search for him.

Doyle was the very definition of the word "hero" and he will be forever admired and missed.

Shane Osguthorpe
Nephew
November 4, 2007

I first heard of officer Thorne from his daughter. She was a student at Utah State University, I spent a lot of time with she and her roommates. She was very proud of her father and his military, rescue and UHP service.

After his death several of the machines he had flown were transferred to USU, 2 of them still exist in 2007 (piston 269's). I was detailed to review records etc. It was clear that he had been a primary force in the adoption of helicopters for the UHP.

The next part is said to show his grandkids that he is a hero, he flew to the end. I detail stripped his OH-6 (469)(the parts were returned to the UHP). It was at full power at impact, the internal rotorhead drive shaft was sheared off, all 4 blades were bent from coning forces and one wrapped around a tree on impact 3 times, none of them left the machine. The resulting fuselage reaction sheared off the tailboom and killed him instantly. We found no faults not caused by the crash. He was immensely strong, The collective lever was actually bent upward, and his heelprints were in the floor. He would have lifted the machine higher if he could have. He had knowingly flown that day until the weather had become too hot for the machine to stay in the air at that high altitude. He pushed himself and his machine to the limit, and sacrificed himself in the line of duty to save a child. He is a true hero.

Wes Davidson, technician
Utah State University, daughters friend
August 17, 2007

Doyle, thanks for the friendship and the honor of riding left seat in your helicopter. I could always count on you being up there when I needed you and you still are my friend. You still are.

Lt. Sam Skaggs
Murray Police
March 11, 2007

4-19-06

Sgt Thorne and Family

We and myself being a native Uintah Basinite and someone who is a life long resident of Duchesne County and Supporter avid supporter of the UHP and my Grandfather HC Lynn Labrum from Section Five, we owne you a huge amount of Graditue for you and to you for unselfish service and volunteering to fly out and look for that girl for the Duchesne County Sheriffs Dept and also one you're former troopers who was sheriff at the time Merv Gustin I am sorry it took a little while to find you with having the Indian Canyon and Strawberry area so huge, it is somewhat a relief to know that you did not have to suffer and our Lord didn't allow or have to allow that. you would be happy to know my grandfather Labrum being one of the Honorary and first one Honorary Colonel out of Section Five personally oversaw and planed to have you're cross placed where it was and every time I drive Highway 40 just before the WASTACH and Duchesne County Line I think of you sarge and all the rest of the UHP Aero Division... I too served a mission in New Zealand so we have somewhat something in common.

Reggie Labrum
Section Five

Reg B. Labrum
UhP Section Five HC Lynn Labrum Grandson
April 19, 2006

Sgt. Thorne,

Your son did you proud today on Fox News with John Kasich. It is sad that someone is trying to eliminate the memorials that your familes have put up along Utah's highways. You are a hero, Sir. You died after saving a child. Thank you!

Jonathan Phillips
December 10, 2005

Doyle thanks for your service to the citizens of the State of Utah and Richfield City we will always remeber you.

Chief
June 10, 2005

Sarge your sacrifice will always be remembered by many.

Rest easy, sir.

OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
June 1, 2005

Doyle ...
I never had the pleasure of knowing you but I have heard many good things about you. Your sacrifice in the name of good and right will never be forgotten. Those of us who carry on keeping the watch will do so always with you in our minds and hearts. May God bless you and your remaining loved ones always and forever.
Trooper Mark Shepherd / UHP

Trooper Mark Shepherd
UHP
May 25, 2004

You were a true hero who served your country in many ways. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Maine State Police
March 14, 2004

Feb. 2, 2004
Sad to see no remembrance here, so I'll leave one for you. Thank you
for your long career in LE and for your dedicated service and your
ultimate sacrifice. May God continue to heal all those who are still
missing you.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

February 2, 2004