Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

“When God made Peace Officers….”

When the lord was creating Peace Officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And the Lord said, Have you read the spec on this order? A Peace Officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn’t touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.

They have to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half- eaten meals. And they have to have six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands….No Way.”

“It’s not the hands that are causing me the problems,” said the Lord, “It’s the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have.”

That’s on the standard model? asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, “May I see what’s in there sir?” (When they already know and wishes they had taken that accounting job.) Another pair here in the side of their head for their partners’ safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, “ You’ll be alright ma’am, when they know it isn’t so.”

“Lord,” said the angel, touching his sleeve,” rest and work tomorrow.”

“I can’t,” said the Lord, “I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on civil service paycheck.”

The angel circled the model of the Peace Officer very slowly, “Can it think?” she asked.

“You bet,” said the Lord, “It can tell you elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in it’s sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five judges to debate the legality of the stop…and still it keeps it’s sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with crime scenes painted in HELL, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim’s family’ and then read in the daily paper how Law Enforcement isn’t sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Peace Officer. “There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model.”

“That’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

“What’s the tear for?” asked the angel.

“It’s for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, and for justice.”

“You’re a genius,” said the angel.

The Lord looked sober. “I didn’t put it there,” he said.


Anonymous

Senior Instructor
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

May 24, 2005

Farewell Brother and rest in Peace. Enjoy your new home among the Heroes of Heroes. Be assured your loved ones are not alone for we are only a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

May 23, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Thorne's family and friends. I don't have adequate words...

May God bless and keep you in this time of mourning.

Officer Frankie Canant
Vance Police Department

May 21, 2005

My heartfelt condolences to the family and to the T.P.D for the lose of a love one and fellow Officer.

Thank you Officer Thorne for your service to the Community and for a job well done. R.I.P

Cpl Barry W Cannon
Center Hill Police Dept, Center Hill Fla

May 20, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Patrolman Thorne, his good deeds to his community and country will always be remembered, May God bless you.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

May 20, 2005

Rest In Peace.

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
FBI

May 18, 2005

Rest easy brother.....we got it from here..........

Officer
Kentucky PD

May 18, 2005

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. I wish there was something we could say or do to help you through your nighmare. The one thing that I thought about was how much Clint loved being an Officer, and I bet that Harold loved it also.
Patrolman Thorne your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you.
Look Clint up for me tell him we love him and miss him.

Connie Barker Mother of Clint Walker
E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

May 18, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Patrolman Thorne Jr.. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

May 17, 2005

ALL of our Officers, both Civilian and Military, mourn the loss of Patrolman Harold Loyd Thorne JR. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Family, Police Family and Friends.

Officer
NAVAL WEAPONS STATION, CHARLESTON, SC

May 17, 2005

ALL of our Officers, both Civilian and Military, mourn the loss of Trooper Jonathan W. Parker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Family, Police Family and Friends.

Officer
NAVAL WEAPONS STATION, CHARLESTON, SC

May 17, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to This Officer, his family, friends, department and community. This is a loss that will never be forgotten. Hours will turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years but, the difference that these officers have made will last forever.

We lost Our Deputy Morris Taylor on September 14, 2002.

God Bless Our Law Enforcement Officer and the ones who love them.

Jack & Tracy Van Dolah
Former LEO/U.S.M.C. & Wife in Sutherlin, Oregon

May 17, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless!

Donna

Donna
Llano County Sheriff's Office - Texas

May 17, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family, Brother. You will not be forgotten.

Officer Burcham
Decatur Police Department (AL)

May 17, 2005

Upon the markers of their graves
Our heroes etched in names we save
For all the life they gave with pride
To keep the peace within life's stride

To honor serve and do their best
To keep us safe through any quest
They gave up what was theirs to share
Their spirits shall be always near

No fear within the hearts and minds
To keep us safe within our times
The glory that is ours to see
Those special hearts of bravery

They have walked where no man dare
Their lives in danger with no care
For they have given all they could
For their courage we have stood

In awe of every one who gave
His life for others who they saved
So we will know their contribution
Their firm resolve and resolution

For those they left with hearts so broken
In every whispered word that's spoken
We bow our heads in confirmation
In every word life's revelation

Those who stand within their shoes
Will follow courage as they choose
And give to all the best they had
They carry on with spirits glad

We will know that they walked through
With colors bright and hearts so true
No Island stands alone they say
For heroes they are born this way

Protecting those with loyalty
A glimpse of so much royalty
Within the years of courage bound
These officers have earned their crown

Upon the earth we shall remember
The special goals and all their thunder
That proves a hero came our way
Who left their hearts on earth to stay.

~ Francine Pucillo ~
(c)Copyright November 16, 2004
In Memory of all those lost in the line
of fire with courage, strength and love.

ASST.CHIEF BILL(PUTT)LINDER
E.O.W.
10/10/04

CHIEF BILLY CUREINGTON
WISNER POLICE DEPT. WISNER, LOUISIANA

May 17, 2005

god bless you and your family..

skip roberson

May 17, 2005

i just returned from the national memorial service in washington d.c. and i check this site everyday. i was so saddened to see this announcement. the alabama state auxiliary sends our sincere condolences to the family and fellow law enforment officers. god bless all of you.

mary mc intyre presidnet- national trust
alabama state fraternal order of police auxiliary

May 17, 2005

TO: The family; loved ones; friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER’S PRAYER:--- O, gentle Lord ! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty, I ask your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm. Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people. Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and safety. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted. Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer; and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN. *** REST IN PEACE ***

Chief ( retired ) Douglas A. Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

May 17, 2005

May you rest in peace, Officer Thorne. Your service is appreciated, and you will not be forgotten. Even though I did not know you, you and your loved ones are in my prayers. May they take comfort in knowing that you are in a better place.

Jason

May 17, 2005

God bless you, Patrolman Thorne. Although your tour of duty was short, the law enforcement family will always remember you.

Deputy Daniel J. Luffman
Monroe County (NY) Sheriff's Office

May 16, 2005

Farewell Brother...rest in Peace...you have given your share of service to your country. We are grateful. Be assured your loved ones are not alone for we are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

May 16, 2005

My thoughts go out to the family of Harold Thorne. I knew "POPS" for about ten years. He was always willing to help at any time day or night. He will turely be missed...
R.I.P. CW-19

Patrolman J. R. Pinkerton
Butler Police Department

May 16, 2005

On behalf of the members of the Sutherlin Police Department, I send to you, our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your time of sadness. May your fallen officer’s legacy live on in the memories of his friends and family. Rest now brother, after a job well done. We’ll take it from here.

Corporal Justin Marquis
Sutherlin Police Deparment, Sutherlin, OR

May 16, 2005

MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF PATROLMAN THORNE. MY BROTHER IN BLUE, MAY GOD BLESS YOU. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

May 16, 2005

My heart and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of Patrolman Thorne. God Bless you all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02

May 16, 2005