Fallen Hero Memorial

Name	End of Watch	Agency	State/Country
Spencer, Gerald In Memory Of Gerald Spencer Hampshire Police, GBR End of watch: 1985-05-15 Aircraft: Edgely Optica aircraft on first operation crashed into trees at Ringwood Hampshire killing both crew members, Police Constable Gerald Spencer and Police Photographer Malcolm Wiltshire. Unexplained power loss, possibly caused by inadvertent fuel switch selection. Thoughts and Memories of Gerald Spencer No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1985-05-15	Hampshire Police	GBR
Spoja, Joseph In Memory Of Joseph Spoja U.S. Coast Guard, AK End of watch: 1981-08-07 Aircraft: Sikorsky HH-3F Pelican While performing a night hoist to a distressed fishing vessel in heavy weather. The helicopter’s tail rotor contacted the water causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable and crashed into the water. The crew drowned after egressing the inverted aircraft. The aircraft was crewed by LT Joseph G. Spoja (CG Aviator #1919), LT Ernest P. Rivas (CG Aviator #1739), AD1 Scott E. Finfrock, and AT3 John H. Snyder. All were lost. Thoughts and Memories of Joseph Spoja Anna He was a loving father and cared very much about his job in the Coast Guard. He is missed greatly. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1981-08-07	U.S. Coast Guard	AK
Sprott, Peter In Memory Of Peter Sprott Detroit Police Department, MI End of watch: 1930-10-10 Aircraft: Unknown aircraft Detective Peter J. Sprott died in an unknown aircraft accident. Thoughts and Memories of Peter Sprott No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1930-10-10	Detroit Police Department	MI
St. Delore, James In Memory Of James St. Delore Seattle Police Department, WA End of watch: 1974-06-21 Aircraft: unknown helicopter On June 21, 1974, during the afternoon, Seattle Police Officer James H. St. Delore died in the line of duty. Officer St. Delore was a Police Helicopter Pilot in “Air 3,” and the Observer was Officer James M. Forbes. The officers were responding to a shooting in the south end of the city. As they flew above Beacon Hill, the helicopter collided with a Cessna 150 that was landing at Boeing Field. The mid-air collision killed both officers and the two occupants of the plane. Officer James H. St. Delore was survived by his wife Phyllis, son Jeffery, and daughter Jennifer. Thoughts and Memories of James St. Delore No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1974-06-21	Seattle Police Department	WA
Stahl, Louis In Memory Of Louis Stahl U.S. Border Patrol, TX End of watch: 1992-06-13 Aircraft: Hughes OH-6A On June 13, 1992, Pilot Louis Stahl was reportedly tracking a group of illegal aliens near the railroad tracks in a mountainous area near Sunland Park, New Mexico. According to witnesses, the Hughes OH6A helicopter, piloted by Agent Stahl, dropped down and snagged a string of power lines that hung approximately 300 feet above the tracks. The contact with the power lines tilted his aircraft to the right and into another set of utility lines. The helicopter was then thrown downward where it nose-dived into a nearby canyon, slamming upside down on the desert floor in a valley north of Mount Cristo Rey. In the crash, the cockpit was demolished and Agent Stahl was pinned underneath the wreckage. After seeing the crash, the subjects who were observed by the pilot, reportedly raced a half-mile east to go get help at the American Eagle Brick Company, where workers dialed 911. The workers then drove to the site and attempted to lift the smashed aircraft off the pilot. Shortly thereafter, fire fighters, police, and Border Patrol Agents arrived at the scene to render aid. The downed pilot was pulled from the wreckage where he was pronounced dead. The pilot’s body was taken to Thomason General Hospital. Agent Stahl was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He began his career with the Border Patrol in 1973, where he served in Presidio, Texas. He later entered the Pilot Program at Marfa, Texas, in May 1978. He then transferred to El Paso Sector in July 1983, which was his last assignment. Thoughts and Memories of Louis Stahl No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1992-06-13	U.S. Border Patrol	TX
Starback, Edward In Memory Of Edward Starback Michigan Department of Natural Resources, MI End of watch: 1957-08-08 Aircraft: Stinson Voyageur Conservation Officer Edward C. Starback was born in Chicago on August 24, 1900. On August 8, 1957 C.O. Starback was enroute from Boyne City to Beaver Island by plane to pick up a Department of Conservation patrol boat. C.O. Starback left this patrol boat at Beaver Island a few days prior due to rough weather conditions. Piloting the plane was a local insurance man by the name of Donald P Watkins, 63. They were also accompanied by C.O. Starback’s two sons, Major Richard Starback, 35 and Carlton Starback, 28. At approximately 1:20 p.m. on August 8, 1957 the four men departed for Beaver Island from the Boyne City Airport. At approximately 1:40 p.m. a pilot returning from Beaver Island witnessed the Watkins’ Stinson Voyageur airplane in a tight spiral at an altitude of more than 2,000 feet. All four men perished in the plane crash. Conservation Officer Starback was laid to rest at the age of 56 in the Breedsville Cemetery in Breedsville, Michigan. C.O. Starback was survived his wife Bonnie. Conservation Officer Edward Starback is currently recognized on the National Law Enforcement Memorial and on the Jurisdictional Plaque at the North American Game Warden Museum as a fallen officer. Thoughts and Memories of Edward Starback Robert Starback My grandfather was well liked by everyone in Northern Michigan. I just wish that I could have known him. I was only 4 yrs old at the time of his passing. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1957-08-08	Michigan Department of Natural Resources	MI
Steilen, Larry In Memory Of Larry Steilen U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, TX End of watch: 1998-09-25 Aircraft: Hughes 369A 51-year old flight instructor Larry Steilen died when his helicopter crashed while on a training mission at Copeland Field, near Newark ten miles north of Fort Worth, TX. Larry Steilen was employed by Raytheon and contracted to the DEA in late 1998. Mr. Steilen had worked with DEA for many years flying support missions for Operation Snowcap, as well as for private contractors flying drug eradication operations in the Caribbean. Mr. Steilen made a career of service to country, including as an Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Thoughts and Memories of Larry Steilen Marie Steilen Larry is my father. He was a great man with a huge heart. I miss him dearly, every day. He died 6 months before my first son, Gianfranco Larry was born. Unfortunately my children will not have him here as a role model but I speak of him every chance I get. Incredibly, Gianfranco is EXACTLY like my father. Same body, same face and amazingly enough, same facial expressions and habits. My dad was re-encarnated in my son. It really is incredible to see my dad in my son. It took me a long time to write about my dad. But I have thought of him every day since he left us. My wish is that one day my children will know what kind of man he was and become like him. Mike Moore Larry was my best friend, growing up in South Canyon, Rapid City, South Dakota. In high school (RCHS), Larry really buckled-down in his studies and improved his grades greatly. I was duly impressed and I’m sure he did this in order to pursue his dream of becoming a professional pilot. He joined the Civil Air Patrol. He asked me to take pictures of his first solo flight out at the airport. So, of course, I did. I was alongside the runway with my camera. He took off & I clicked away. Good takeoff. Then he flew around for a while and came back around for a landing. I was ready to capture that as well. There was a crosswind and when he touched down his plane veered directly toward me and I ran like heck to get out of the way. Vrooom, ..he corrected and swished right by me. He later said he didn’t even see me. Whew!.. In Junior High Larry did an on-stage skit where he was in a cockpit battling a German plane. If anybody were made to fly, it was Larry. God rest that man’s soul. He’s still up there. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1998-09-25	U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration	TX
Stenback, Duane In Memory Of Duane Stenback U.S. Coast Guard, PR End of watch: 1990-08-24 Aircraft: E-2C Hawkeye Coast Guard Officers Duane Stenback, Paul Erik Perlt, Craig Lerner, and Matthew Baker were killed when their E-2C Hawkeye crashed in the Caribbean while on a narcotics surveillance. Thoughts and Memories of Duane Stenback Cynthia Stenbak My brother Duane was truly a hero to his family. He had a great love for his Coast Guard family and was two years from the end of his service to our country when he lost his life. We miss him each and every day. His children have grown into beautiful young women and he now has two grandchildren he would have adored.We miss you Duane!!!!! Tami You are never forgoten. You would be so proud Adam has gone into your footsteps. He just Graduated from USCG bootcamp. For the short time you were in our lives you made a lasting impression on him, and me. We still think about you a lot, and you are always in our prayers. Watch over my son for me. Always and Forever LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1990-08-24	U.S. Coast Guard	PR
Stenbak, Duane In Memory Of Duane Stenbak U.S. Coast Guard, PR End of watch: 1990-08-24 Aircraft: Grumman E2C Hawkeye Returning from a night law enforcement mission, the crew was making their final approach into U.S. Naval Air Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico when they reported a wing fire and problems with the plane’s hydraulic controls. They crashed short of the runway; there were no survivors. The aircraft was crewed by LT Duane E. Stenbak (CG Aviator #2283), LTJG Paul E. Perlt (CG Aviator #2674), LT Craig E. Lerner (CG Aviator #2683), and AT1 Matthew H. Baker. Thoughts and Memories of Duane Stenbak No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1990-08-24	U.S. Coast Guard	PR
Stone, Carlen In Memory Of Carlen Stone West Virginia State Police, WV End of watch: 1982-12-16 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Corporal Carlen B. Stone died when his aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. Thoughts and Memories of Carlen Stone No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1982-12-16	West Virginia State Police	WV
Stratman, Richard In Memory Of Richard Stratman Arizona Department of Public Safety, AZ End of watch: 1983-10-02 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Officer Paramedic Richard Stratman, 27, and Officer Pilot Thomas McNeff, 36, were killed in a Bell 206L-3 helicopter during a rainstorm when it crashed in a cotton field near Marana. The DPS aircraft was enroute to Catalina to pick up a pregnant woman and fly her to a Tucson medical facility. Thoughts and Memories of Richard Stratman No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1983-10-02	Arizona Department of Public Safety	AZ
Strehl, Stephen In Memory Of Stephen Strehl St Louis Police Department, MO End of watch: 1993-11-19 Aircraft: Hughes 369HS Detective Stephen J. Strehl, a St. Louis, Missouri, Police Officer, was killed in a helicopter crash while conducting a surveillance mission of a suspected indoor marijuana grow site. Strehl was assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force at the time of his death. He was 35 years of age. The DEA pilot, Special Agent Hawthorne I. Lee, suffered severe head and leg injuries as a result of the crash. Officer Strehl was survived by his wife, Kathryn, and three sons, Stephen, Sean, and Michael. Thoughts and Memories of Stephen Strehl Kathryn Strehl I miss you each and everyday. I wish you could see your sons and how they are becoming men. I pray everyday that you can touch our lives with your love, and warmth in our memories. Love forever, Kathy LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1993-11-19	St Louis Police Department	MO
Stroebel, Lt. In Memory Of Lt. Stroebel South African Police Service, South Africa End of watch: 1976-02-16 Aircraft: Cessna 185 Second Lieutenant Stroebel and Squadron Leader G. A. Routledge were killed in a crash operating in Southern Rhodesia near Umtali. Thoughts and Memories of Lt. Stroebel No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1976-02-16	South African Police Service	South Africa
Sumner, Riley In Memory Of Riley Sumner Chelsea Police Department, MI End of watch: 2006-04-13 Aircraft: Robinson R22 Chelsea Police Chief Riley Scot Sumner and Matthew Tuttle, a reserve police officer and full-time captain with the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, died when their helicopter crashed during a suspect search. The crash happened in the woods near Jackson and Staebler roads in Scio Township while the two men chased a suspect who was wanted on warrants and had escaped the Michigan State Police on foot after a traffic stop. Tuttle, who also served on the Washtenaw County Hazardous Materials Response Team, was piloting his personal aircraft when the crash occurred. Tuttle was occasionally called on to use the helicopter for police business. Sumner was in charge of 14 sworn officers, nine reserves, four full-time dispatchers and six part-time dispatchers. Sumner, 43, a Chelsea resident who had been married for 14 years, leaves behind a wife and two young sons, ages 4 and 2 1/2. Memorial information courtesy of The Chelsea Standard. Thoughts and Memories of Riley Sumner David Sumner I have known Riley Sumner for all of my 39 years. I would have it known that he rose to any occasion setting fear aside to protect and serve. His father, uncle, and cousins preceded him in this most noble profession that required more than proficiency with a gun. One of his most noteworthy traits was he treated people with utmost courteousy. He was the most genuine man I’ve ever met. We are so proud of his service. My family is forever devastated by this totally unexpected event. He has left behind a wife and two beautiful boys aged 3 & 5. This community has stuck by the family with support and prayers. While I’am Scott’s blood brother my prayers go out to all the selfless men in blue who sift thru societies extremes to provide the rest of our country with the peace and freedom we get the privelidge to enjoy. I along with some very close friends are tasked with imparting the knowledge and wisdom onto scotts two boys. Riley Scott Sumner, I pledge to be a better person on a daily basis that I can show your boys in deed that we are all responsible to make our own fun and happiness in this world. A trait you shared with any who would listen. Love you very much. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2006-04-13	Chelsea Police Department	MI
Sutton, Walter In Memory Of Walter Sutton Barbour County Sheriff's Department, AL End of watch: 1990-08-01 Aircraft: unknown airplane Deputy Walter A. Sutton and Eufaula Police Department Captain Ted L. Dotson were both killed when their plane crashed while on a marijuana eradication flight. Thoughts and Memories of Walter Sutton No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1990-08-01	Barbour County Sheriff's Department	AL
Sweeney, Mike In Memory Of Mike Sweeney Put in Bay Police Department, OH End of watch: 1983-12-09 Aircraft: Cessna 207 Dispatcher Mike L. Sweeney was killed when the airplane he was in crashed in Lake Erie. Thoughts and Memories of Mike Sweeney Paul Villanuev You will be missed. God Speed my friend. Toni Conwell Michael, I think of you often, I pray that you our in a better place with your dad and mine. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1983-12-09	Put in Bay Police Department	OH
Taira, Stuart S. In Memory Of Stuart S. Taira Los Angeles Police Department, CA End of watch: 1983-03-01 Aircraft: Bell 206 Reserve Officer Stuart Taira, Serial No. R1019, was killed as a result of a police helicopter crash. Officer Taira, a reserve photographer for the Air Support Unit, and two other officers were conducting aerial patrols following a tornado (extremely rare in Los Angeles). In between patrols, the officers were dispatched to investigate a report of a burglar on a roof. As the helicopter departed, it struck an unseen power line, causing it to crash. The officers (Sergeant Ronnie Hansen, pilot, and Tom Brooks, observer) survived the initial impact and Reserve Officer Taira was able to exit the aircraft. Reserve Officer Taira then returned to the aircraft in an attempt to rescue his two partners. One of the helicopter’s rotor blades struck Taira in the head, instantly killing him. Reserve Officer Taira was posthumously awarded the Department’s Medal of Valor. He had served three years with the agency and was survived by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Thoughts and Memories of Stuart S. Taira Doug Abney During the years leading up to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984 I worked in the LAPD’s Tactical Planning Section. This unit was involved in some of the Olympic Games security planning. Taira worked with the officers in Tactical Planning Section as well as with the officers in Air Support Division. His expertise was photography among other things. He was a tireless worker, very technically competent and a very friendly and kind man. His tragic death in a LAPD helicopter crash was a sad day for the LAPD. He made the ultimate sacrifice serving the residents of Los Angeles. Earlier on the day he died a freak tornado tore a path of destruction through the area south of downtown Los Angeles. The LAPD’s Tactical Planning Section set up a Command Post in the devastated area to maintain law and order and assist in the recovery. Taira volunteered to fly into the area to record on camera some of the devastation and the police operations. The LAPD helicopter landed in the street near the Command Post. When the helicopter departed it hit wires and crashed. He has not been forgotten by the many officers who knew him. John Harrel Stu was a huge man, not in size but in heart. He had flown with me and my partner Larry Clark, all day into the tornado zone. A rare event in Los Angeles. After Larry’s and my tour of duty was over another pilot and observer took our assignment in the helicopter. Stu stayed and worked past his normal tour of duty to assist the night watch crew. Stu was killed while attempting to assist another observer who was not able to get himself out of the aircraft’s left door. Stu and his immediate family will never be forgotten by those his worked with. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1983-03-01	Los Angeles Police Department	CA
Talafous, Carl In Memory Of Carl Talafous U.S. Customs Service, GA End of watch: 1993-07-14 Aircraft: Sikorsky UH-60 Pilot Carl Richard Talafous [40] died when his helicopter struck a power line over the Altamaha River while on a drug mission near Brunswick, Georgia. Pilot Alan J. Klumpp [32] , Criminal Investigator David DeLoach [31], and Special Agent William Levi De Loach [29] also died in the crash. Thoughts and Memories of Carl Talafous David Bell Rick was my older cousin but knew him as “Uncle Rick.” The guy that would always have you laughing to tears and quite the jokester. Fond memory of him buzzing our house on approach to Wright Patt for landing before showing up for dinner. Miss him still and glad he and my father are forever close to each other at USAFA cemetery. Pete Niland Rick and I both went to the US Air Force Academy and were stationed together at Luke AFB, AZ. He went through a lot to do what he loved… flying. Although I’d lost touch with him over the years and am saddened by his death I know he gave his life doing something he believed worthwhile. Tom Inklebarger Rick was my roommate at Millard School in Bandon Oregon back in 1971/1972. He, Kim Weber, and I entered the Air Force Academy in June of 1972. I elected to leave the Academy that same year. Rick was a good friend who loved flying and I believe would od anything reasonable to achieve that ambition. He died doing what he liked and serving the country. I am proud to have known him. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1993-07-14	U.S. Customs Service	GA
Taylor, James In Memory Of James Taylor Dallas Police Department, TX End of watch: 1984-07-24 Aircraft: B206B3 Officer Pilot James C. Taylor and Lt. Robert L. Cormier were killed while surveying landing sites for the Republican National Convention in Dallas. They were taking off from a parking lot near the Central Patrol Division sub-station and on climb out the rotor blades struck the 523′ unsupported communications tower located on top of the radio shop at the central maintenance garage. Officer Taylor had been with the agency for 15 years and was survived by his wife and two sons. Thoughts and Memories of James Taylor No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1984-07-24	Dallas Police Department	TX
Terwilliger, Ronald In Memory Of Ronald Terwilliger Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, OR End of watch: 1985-07-23 Aircraft: unknown helicopter Special Deputy Ronald A. Terwilliger, Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick, and Corporal Virgle D. Knight, Jr. died when their aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances. Thoughts and Memories of Ronald Terwilliger No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1985-07-23	Douglas County Sheriff’s Department	OR
Thigpen, Charles In Memory Of Charles Thigpen U.S. Coast Guard, CA End of watch: 1997-06-08 Aircraft: HH-65A Dolphin Responding to a sailing vessel taking on water at night the crew of CG-6549 perished in poor weather conditions and high seas. It is believed that the aircraft impacted the water while attempting to make an approach to the vessel. The aircraft was crewed by LTJG Charles W. Thigpen IV (CG Aviator #3310), LT Jeffrey F. Crane (CG Aviator #3188), AD3 Richard L. Hughes, and ASM3 James G. Caines. All were lost. Thoughts and Memories of Charles Thigpen Russ Hellstern Losing Chuck was more than most in the CG can really comprehend. He was #1 in his OCS class, #1 in his flight class, and he chose Humbolt Bay knowing that it was one of the most dangerous flying environments in the CG. I can only imagine how much better CG aviation would be if he were still around. He was one of those guys you just knew was slated for greatness. God had other plans and I don’t questions the motives of the almighty, but I sure wish he was still here. Rest friend and know we are still thinking about you. RFH LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1997-06-08	U.S. Coast Guard	CA
Thomas, Joseph In Memory Of Joseph Thomas Virginia State Police, VA End of watch: 1950-06-20 Aircraft: unknown airplane Troopers Joseph Benjamin Thomas and Robert Edward Porter were killed in a plane crash near Allmonds Wharf. Thoughts and Memories of Joseph Thomas No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1950-06-20	Virginia State Police	VA
Thompson, Meredith In Memory Of Meredith Thompson U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Peru End of watch: 1994-08-27 Aircraft: CASA 212-A Special Agent Meredith Thompson died when her aircraft crashed into a dense jungle close to Puerto Pizano near Lima, Peru while on a drug assignment. Also killed were Agents Jay Seale, Juan Vars, Frank Wallace Jr. and Frank Fernandez, each of whom was from different sections of the US DEA. Special Agent Thompson joined DEA in the Atlanta Field Division in 1985 and was assigned to the Columbia, South Carolina, Resident Office. In 1986, Special Agent Thompson transferred to the Miami Field Division and volunteered for three Operation Snowcap tours, two in Bolivia and her last assignment in Peru. Special Agent Thompson graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and completed one year of postgraduate work in Criminal Justice. Special Agent Thompson was characterized as a tireless worker-innovative, motivated and organized. Throughout her career, she received numerous letters of appreciation and commendation from both within and outside DEA. John Coleman, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Training, wrote of her performance as a basic agent class counselor: “She is an excellent role model and through her demonstrated expertise, tact, and devotion, instilled within each trainee a sense of purpose, direction, and pride in DEA.” Special Agent Thompson was survived by her parents, Adelaide and Jack Thompson; three sisters, Kimberly, Elizabeth, and Diane; and one brother, Doug. Special Agent Thompson was posthumously awarded the DEA Administrator’s Award of Honor on May 17, 1995. Thoughts and Memories of Meredith Thompson No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1994-08-27	U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration	Peru
Thompson, David In Memory Of David Thompson U.S. Coast Guard, HI End of watch: 1982-01-07 Aircraft: Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard It was 4 a.m. when the helicopter lifted off from Barbers Point Air Station in torrential rains and heavy winds. They were responding to a distress call from the Pan Am, a 74-foot fishing boat that was taking on water off Maui and was in danger of sinking. By 5:15 a.m., the Coast Guard had lost radio contact with the crew. Almost nine hours later, another helicopter discovered the wreckage on a steep ridge in Moloka’I’s Wailau Valley. The entire crew died in the crash. The aircraft was crewed by AD2 David L. Thompson, LCDR Horton W. Johnson (CG Aviator #1635), and LT Colleen A. Cain (CG Aviator #1988). Thoughts and Memories of David Thompson No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1982-01-07	U.S. Coast Guard	HI
Thompson III, Charles A. In Memory Of Charles A. Thompson III Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, FL End of watch: 1979-01-08 Aircraft: Cessna 411 Officer Thompson and his partner, Ronald D. Florence, left Craig Airport in Jacksonville, Florida at 10:01 a.m. to pick up a prisoner in Panama City. Shortly after take-off, they lost the left engine. Attempting to make an open pasture about two miles from the airport, the airplane clipped a power pole and lines, crashed on the top of a closed business, and continued on into a stand of trees, killing both pilots and Warrants Detective Fred Lucy. Thoughts and Memories of Charles A. Thompson III No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1979-01-08	Jacksonville Sheriffs Office	FL
Thorne, Doyle In Memory Of Doyle Thorne Utah Department of Public Safety, UT End of watch: 1994-07-30 Aircraft: Hughes OH-6A Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Doyle R. Thorne, 52, died July 30, 1994, while piloting a Department of Public Safety helicopter during a search for a missing girl in Duschene County. Thorne, who was alone in the helicopter, was returning to Salt Lake City when the helicopter suffered an engine failure near Strawberry Peak. Searchers found Thorne’s body in the wreckage three days later. Thoughts and Memories of Doyle Thorne Kimberlee Thorne-Waintraub What can I say? He was my hero all my life – my father, my friend… His qualities and virtues are unparalled, and that’s the reason why my firstborn was also named after him, in the hope that he will remember for whom he was named, and try to emulate his grandfather somehow…It’s been almost 15 years since he passed away, and I love him more and more as time goes by. The loss has been enormous, and it’s something that no one or nothing can fill. But somehow I know that if God took him away from me, it’s because he had already finished his mission in this life, to go on to fill others that He has for him.I love you Dad and miss you so much, and I know that you know that…Love you,Kim LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1994-07-30	Utah Department of Public Safety	UT
Thrasher, Clinton In Memory Of Clinton Thrasher U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TX End of watch: 2007-04-25 Aircraft: Cessna 182 Air Interdiction Agent Clinton Brady Thrasher of the McAllen Air Unit in Rio Grande Valley Sector, McAllen, Texas was killed when his Cessna 182 crashed while providing air support to Border Patrol agents conducting ground operations Wednesday, April 25, 2007. AIA Thrasher began his federal career when he entered on duty with Class 342 of the Border Patrol Academy. As a Border Patrol Agent, he was first assigned to Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1997. He joined CBP Air and Marine in 2003 as a pilot and was stationed at the Caribbean Air Branch in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He transferred to McAllen in August 2006. AIA Clinton Thrasher is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two daughters: Addalyn, age 7, and Emily, age 1 and his parents, Charles and Jane Thrasher. The Clinton B. Thrasher Memorial Fund (account number 2510417029 / routing number 114917623) has been established at IBC Bank. You may donate by going into any IBC Bank, or visiting http://www.ibc.com. Thoughts and Memories of Clinton Thrasher Alex Mello Our family’s prayers are with your wife and children. May they always keep the thought that you gave your life to protect all others. And that I shall not let you go unnoticed. Ramon E. “Moncho” Salgado He was a very hard charging and dedicated agent. He spent time in the always busy Caribbean Air Branch and that’s were I met him. Another Flying Mofongo Brother goes 10-7 on Earth and 10-8 in Heaven. May the Lord Bless him and his family. He will always be remembered. Cuidate Flaco… Tony Fiorenza This accident reminds us all how fragile our lives are. All of your partners will remember you always and especially while we continue our mission. Our family’s prayers are with you and yours. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2007-04-25	U.S. Customs and Border Protection	TX
Tingwall, Sgt. Andrew F. In Memory Of Sgt. Andrew F. Tingwall New Mexico State Police, NM End of watch: 2009-06-11 Aircraft: Augusta 109 Helicopter Sgt. Tingwall was piloting the NMSP Aircraft on June 9, 2009. Sgt. Tingwall was activated as part of search and rescue mission for a lost hiker in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, NM. Sgt. Tingwall located the hiker, and had picked her up, and taken off. Weather moved in quickly, and the helicopter crashed at about 11,700 feet on Mount Baldy. Sgt. Tingwall was found two days later. Thoughts and Memories of Sgt. Andrew F. Tingwall Tim Kovacs RIP Andy. You are not forgotten by the Mountain Rescue Association. Your memorial was well attended. Thanks for fighting the good fight. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	2009-06-11	New Mexico State Police	NM
Tomlinson, Cleo In Memory Of Cleo Tomlinson Florida Highway Patrol, FL End of watch: 1981-07-13 Aircraft: Cessna 172-P Corporal Tomlinson was the rear seat “observer” when his airplane crashed in St. John’s County, while assisting in the search for two suspects wanted for breaking and entering. Trooper Merle Cook and Trooper Robert Pruitt were also lost in this crash. Corporal Tomlinson had served the citizens of Florida, with the Florida Highway Patrol, for 19 years. His career with FHP began August 30, 1962. He was in the 22nd recruit class in Tallahassee, from August 30 to November 17, 1962. He was stationed in Sanford and St. Augustine. At the time of his death, he was 42. Thoughts and Memories of Cleo Tomlinson No one has left any Thoughts or Memories of this hero. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1981-07-13	Florida Highway Patrol	FL
Tonkin, Mark In Memory Of Mark Tonkin Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA End of watch: 1988-10-24 Aircraft: Bell UH1 Five sheriff’s deputies from Southern California and three National Guardsmen were killed when the helicopter they were flying in a joint drug interdiction mission snagged on a power line and exploded into a hillside in western Imperial County. The accident occurred Monday, Oct. 24, about 9:30 p.m., approximately 63 miles east of San Diego on what was described as a training flight on the first night of an unpublicized anti-drug surveillance program called Operation Border Ranger. The National Guard UH-1H Huey helicopter crashed when it tried to make a pass through an isolated canyon to close in on a parked car thought to belong to drug smugglers, a National Guard spokesman stated. Killed in the crash were five deputies from a consortium of six Southern California sheriff’s departments that sponsored Operation Border Ranger, an anti-drug smuggling program that was quietly organized earlier this year. The three dead guardsmen were stationed with the 140th Aviation Unit at the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orange County. The dead deputies were identified as Mark Steven Tonkin, 31, Chino, a seven-year member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; James D. McSweeney, 43, of Huntington Beach, and Roy A. Chester, 41, of La Verne, both 12-year Los Angeles County Sheriff’s veterans; Sgt. Richard G. Romero, 39, El Centro, a 14-year veteran in Imperial County; and Investigator Michael David Davis, 34, Indio, a nine-year veteran Riverside County deputy. San Diego and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments, the other participants in the program, had no one on board. The deputies who died were all experienced narcotics officers. Deputy Tonkin joined the department on August 21, 1981. He was initially assigned to the Main Jail upon completing basic training. He worked a short time as a court bailiff and then assigned to North Patrol. Deputy Tonkin was assigned to the Career Criminal Apprehension Team in January of 1988. Deputy Tonkin was survived by his wife, Mary Ann, and parents, James and Gloria Tonkin, of Whittier. Thoughts and Memories of Mark Tonkin Brian Heaney Mark was the type of person who should have been allowed a long life, of which he would have contributed much good. Those of us who were fortunate to have shared life with Mark are grateful for that opportunity. As a cop,Mark was exceptional. As a man, he was a good friend and challenged each of us to do better and to do more. R.W., Dom, Carl, Steve, Mike, Paul and many others cherish our friendship with Mark and we will always remember him as that young, boyish and dedicated cop. For those of you who fly and face that challenge everyday I feel it is important for you to know that what Mark volunteered to do went against his own sense of comfort. In fact, Mark, given any other opportunity, would have passed on that night’s mission. But Mark pushed aside his own uneasiness and accepted the risk. Mark did so because he was that type of cop; one with a true sense of duty first. Ken Great friend,great guy and great cop. One of the five best and certainly one of the bravest I ever worked with; and I worked with many over the years. Other than Mark, the bravest man I ever worked with was Sgt.Bob Bolong (Deputy at the time).I witnessed Bob do the bravest thing I have ever seen in Law Enforcement. Unbelievable courage. Bob paid a hefty price for that bravery. I have not ever forgotten what I saw. It was like something out a movie scene, hand to hand, like hitting omaha beach. Scary. Yet there was brave Bob, unhesitatingly right up front, not to get the glory, but to protect his buddies and do his duty. What a hero.Bob was also one of the most passionate and dedicated cops in the country, but also underneath he was a sweet and honest man, halarious too. The only thing Bob loved more than being a cop was his daughter. What a great man and dad. I remember chuckling seeing Bob, the “man’s man,” wearing his powder puff blue girls softball shirt at the ball field when he was out there coaching his daughter who was an outstanding athelete. I yelled from behind the backstop, “I don’t believe it, Bob Bolong wearing powder puff blue! That must be a sign of the apocolypse!” He grinned and chuckled back, “Yeah, they were all out of pink!”That was only one of many times I saw just him and his sweet daughter on the field together, many times just those two,until the sun set. It was beautiful.I had some hard times later at the department. Ther was only one man who didn’t care what anybody thought and who stood by my side, only one. It was Bob. When others were hesitant to be around me because they feared a supervisor might see them in my company, old Bob was the opposite. His attitude and demeanor toward me didn’t change a bit, Bob wasn’t like that. He’d yell out at the top of his lungs across the lot, “There’s the best cop I ever worked with!”Bob was the only one out of hundreds of fellow officers and friends to do that for me, ol’ Bob wanted to set things right for me. What a guy. Believe it or not, at the Sheriff’s Department at the time, that was also a very brave thing to do. Sounds strange, but those who were around know what I am talking about. Bob was the bravest man I have ever knew. I miss him dearly.If you didn’t know Mark, you might think he was a no-nonsense kind of guy. Kind of had a personality like one of the younger modern day news anchors, professional, well spoken and unbelievably intelligent. Responsible too as was Bob. But when it was time to have a good time, I wouldn’t pick anybody other than Mark to be my partner. Not only funny, but lemme tell ya, old Mark could throw them back with the best of them, and I have bent my elbow with the best. Horrible at darts though.I think the times and places Mark and I worked together were the most dangerous and insane that any could ever be or have been before or since then at the O.C. Sheriff. I don’t think anyone will disagree with that. But we were so young and loved what we did. We were all so full of life. Mark will remain forever young in my mind. Bob too.When my days are over, I think I will know where to look to find you guys up there, if I make the cut, which is iffy. First thing I’ll asked Saint Peter is, “Hey Pete, you guys got a TGIF Friday’s bar around this place?”See you two there.Kenny Mike (former partner) You came to patrol with the dewey-eyed innocence we all began with….You ran hard to the end. Why an early end for such a loyal and good soul, we will never know. Your memory will not end. LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS & MEMORIES	1988-10-24	Orange County Sheriff’s Department	CA

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