As you remember these fallen officers, take comfort in recalling that they dedicated their lives to the same principles of honor, duty and courage that brought you to the badge. Such a life is truly rich. Take strength in knowing that when an officer falls, our resolve to serve those in need is not diminished. Our dedication to protecting those in danger is not weakened. Our commitment to remembering those with whom we shared the badge does not fade.

Godspeed, brothers and sisters. You fought the good fight. Now rest in peace…

September 21, 2006

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Colo. detective ambushed

Officer Down: Michael Thomas - [Aurora, Colorado]

ODMP

Biographical Info

Age: 52

Additional Info: Detective Michael Thomas had served with the Aurora Police Department for 24 years.

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Thomas was shot and killed by a suspect as he was waiting for a traffic light.

Date of Incident: September 20, 2006

Colo. detective ambushed

By John C. Ensslin and Javier Erik Olvera
Rocky Mountain News

AURORA - A decorated police detective was shot to death Wednesday and police said the man they arrested was already being sought in a random shooting in Denver two days earlier.

Michael D. Thomas, 52, a 24-year veteran of the Aurora Police Department, was on a lunch break during a daylong training exercise when he was shot in the left side while waiting for the light to change on Peoria Street at Montview Boulevard.

It wasn't clear whether the suspect realized that Thomas was a police officer. Thomas was on duty at the time but wearing civilian clothes in his own personal vehicle.

Full Story: Colo. detective ambushed

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