Captain Thomas Allen Craig Arkansas State Police Arkansas Thursday, December 14, 2000  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

It is a shame some of the younger troopers will never know Tom Craig. I hope we never forget.

Anonymous

2009-08-01

I first met Tom Craig many years ago when working in the P.I. and Security Guard Section. As I moved to other sections and other duties over the 28 years I was with the State Police, I would have other occasions to meet and visit with Tom. He was such a blessing and it was a joy working with him. He had a distinctive laugh and I can hear it even now. He was a true Christian in every sense of the word.

Martha Case
Arkansas State Police, Fiscal Sect. Retired
2008-12-20

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this eighth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
2008-12-15

Today is the 8th anniversary of your EOW. What a difficult time for your family
and all those who knew you, respected you and loved you. Thanks for your
26 years of service. So sad you never got to enjoy that retirement that you so
richly deserved. You are missed!

The Absent One

As we gather at the table and watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion to see the vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longing in the midst of
Mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One.

When we gather 'round the fireside with merry
Laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one was here with
All the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic, but we wish the day was done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One.

Yet when the day is over and they all have gone to
Rest
We feel the Heavenly Father does all things for the
Best
So we cheer our drooping spirits with the rising
Of the sun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking of the loved-
The Absent One. author unknown

Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA




Anonymous

2008-12-14

Tom Craig is an example of fairness among people. I remember our discussion about promotions. It is important to know this type of trooper were employed with our agency. I enjoyed the spirit and respect he had for each individual regardless of sex or race. God bless your family.

Captain Lloyd Franklin Trp E
AR State Police
2008-12-12

Captain Craig,
You died the same day that I graduated from the academy. Thank you for your service and rest in peace.

Police Officer Edward Varso
Escondido Police Dept. California
2008-11-07

Rest in Peace, Captain Craig. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2008-05-31

Tom Craig inspired all those who came in contat with him. He hd a great sense of humor and I was an honr to have known him. The last time I saw Tom was when we ate lunch together shortly before the accident. I only wish I could have known him better.

Sergeant Charlie Beall
ASP
2008-05-28

I had the honor of getting to serve under this fine man when I was hired in July of 2000. He alway had a kind word and a great inspiration for many.

Cpl. S. Shane Bewley
Arkansas State Police
2008-01-05

On the 7th anniversary of Captain Craig's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Captain Craig is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department
2007-12-14

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for oir 26 years of dediated service

vandenberghe
mancahester, nh
2007-12-08

"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
2007-11-18

Tom, buddy I miss you. I remember when you and I worked in Monroe County in the late 70's. My heart hurts. God Bless

Deputy Rob Higgs

2007-06-16

REST IN PEACE ON THE STREETS OF GOLD WITH THOSE GONE BEFORE!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD
2007-02-22

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 6th anniversary of your end of watch. You have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Keep looking down on your loved ones and protect them, also those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2006-12-14

you are a true hero
thank you

citizen

2006-12-14

May you Rest in Peace and may Our Lord continue to comfort and strengthen your loved ones.

2006-12-14

You are a true hero and American. Thanks for your service and paying the ultimate sacrifice for others. God Bless your family and friends.

Deputy
PCSO
2005-09-09

Rest easy, Troop. Your time here now finished, we will continue for you. May God comfort those you left behind and may they know that we weep with them.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
2003-11-16

CAPTAIN CRAIG, THANK YOU FOR THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING YOU. YOU WERE SERENITY DURING THE STORM OF RECRUIT SCHOOL 2000A. AS I SHOWED UP TO WORK AN ACCIDENT ON THAT ICY DAY ON THE 14TH OF DECEMBER, MY HEART SANK WHEN I REALIZED YOU WERE THERE AND I COULDN'T HELP YOU( EVEN THOUGH I WAS A PARAMEDIC AS WELL). I WENT TO YOUR CAR AND FOUND YOUR ASP ID AND DRIVERS LICENSE AND I BECAME NUMB, NOT BECAUSE OF THE ICE, BUT BECAUSE I HAD LOST A MENTOR AND ROLE MODEL. YOU TOUCHED MY LIFE MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW. THANKS FOR YOUR DIRECTION AND EXAMPLE.

TROOPER MIKE BAIN
ARKANSAS STATE POLICE
2003-09-06

I have wondered if I will stop coming back to this page. I can see by your kind thoughts that I will not. Thank you from my family to yours. And my God be with you always. Glenn Johnson, brother of Mike Johnson EOW6/15/03

Glenn Johnson
Brother of Mike Johnson, EOW 6/15/03

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

Anonymous

Tom, I know that you are not gone because a part of you will be instilled in every officer that joins the ranks. You were a great man and gave your life trying to save another. You will be greatly missed. God bless your family and God rest your soul. We miss you.

EMT-B Matthew T. Ramsey
Taney County Ambulance District

For a man to risk his life to help another is the mark of a true hero. Rest in peace, Tom.

Deputy Scott Tudor
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

The Badge

- It is polished and shiny and looks so fine.
Once you earn it you have to tow the line.
- The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.
- It means honesty, integrity, and fairness to all.
Your life is never your own, but at the publics call.
- Night or day, any hour, it makes you a mark.
It doesn't protect you from a shot in the dark.
- Over the years the shine starts to fade,
but brighter still is the man its made.
- It is often what seperates you from the crowd.
It is a second family of which you are proud.
- So now comes your time, you can't be denied.
When you pin on your badge, wear it with pride
- The minute you wear it upon your chest
it becomes a symbol that you are the best.

....unknown author