Chief of Police Gary Allen Thompson Gray Court Police Department South Carolina Tuesday, October 28, 1986  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I served under Chief Thompson with the Gray Court Police Department from 1985 to mid-year 1986 when I left to work with the Laurens County Sheriff's Department. Chief Thompson had just been to the sheriff's department that day where I spoke with him and was on his way back to Gray Court. I still remember vividly that fateful day when my Sheriff came to me and asked me to ride with him to a traffic accident. He informed what had happen while we were in transit. Upon arriving and seeing the mangled Gray Court Police cruiser, my heart sank. I did my duty by directing traffic around the scene while the whole time fighting back tears. Humanity lost a great protector and a wonderful human being that day. One that can never be replaced. It is now 2009, but I still think of him constantly and the many gifts he gave to me and this world.

Mark Armstrong
Served under Chief Thompson
2009-02-10

Uncle Gary, Though I did not have the opportunity to meet you in person that I remember, I am yet very proud to know that you served the community as Cheif of Police as well as your military history and citations. I am honored that I did have the opportunity to attend your funeral service in which I do have a few faint memories of. I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet you and hear some of the stories that you would tell me about Vietnam. Everyone misses you.

Patrick Lawrence
Nefew
2007-12-30

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-11-16

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-10-30

Two decades have passed since your end of watch and I know your loved ones still think of you each and every day and will continue to do so for as long as they walk this earth. Continue to keep watch over them and those officers still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-11-01

Dad,
I Love you very much. There is never a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I am so proud of you. You were and always will be my inspiration.

Debbie

2006-02-23

We miss you and love you Papa!


Cheryl Bell

2005-03-14

God bless and keep you always. Thanks for watching over all of us.

Kathy B. Duerr

2005-03-14

Chief Thompson was my father-in-law. He was a great guy and an outstanding law officer. When I got out of the Navy he had me do a ride along when he was a Sergeant for Greenville County Sheriffs Office. In 1978 he got me a job with Mauldin Police in South Carolinia...I am still doing law enforcement to this day...I owe him for the things I know now...Gary may you rest in pease..you are not forgotten....Daryl

Sergeant Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Tennessee
2005-03-09

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace.

2004-11-02

11-03-03, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
2003-11-03