Deputy Sheriff Arthur Allen Amos

“Allen” Amos and my father, Harold Thomas, were partners. My dad was there that horrible day, Dec 3rd, 1979, when Allen was killed as they responded to a call for hog thieves at an Immokalee Ranch. As they approached the scene, a sniper shot rang out and my father saw Allen hit in the head by the gunfire. Single-handedly, my father tracked down the murderer and had him in custody before backup could arrive. The murderer killed Allen over a few hogs.

My father struggled over this for years. He questioned God, wondered why he’d take such a godly man instead of him. He’d tell me about his nightmares and how he relived the scene over and over. My father eventually found peace with the Lord, changed his life around, and dedicated his life to sharing Jesus with everyone he met. He finished a 30+ year career with CCSO and continued ranching. My father died Dec 4th, 2019 at a very fulfilled age of 82. It was 40 years and one day after Allen’s death that these partners were reunited in Glory.

Today, my family and I visited the PBA memorial at the state capital and honored Allen by tracing his name onto paper were it will hang in my office at work. I told my young daughters his story and shared about his sacrifice.

I never met Allen but heard a lot about him. About how he was a good man, dedicated deputy, and caring. Hearing about his and my father’s escapades, caused me to want to enter into a career in law enforcement. Their legacy lives on in the men and women I work with at CCSO. I’m sure both of them are having adventures together again in that wonderful place.

Sgt. Caleb Thomas #129
CCSO

March 14, 2024