In Memory of Sergeant Michael Todd Thomas

On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, Georgia authorities were disheartened to announce the loss of a local police officer to the COVID19 pandemic. Sergeant Michael Todd Thomas, badge number 2007, died due to complications of the coronavirus. Most likely, Sgt. Thomas contracted the virus while in the line of duty. Sgt. Thomas was 52 years old.

COVID19 has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths among law enforcement nationwide. The US has lost more than 200 officers to the virus since January 2021. Hundreds more have been lost since the start of the pandemic. Federal mandates were put into place to help the families of fallen officers. Active-duty officers who die from the virus are granted line-of-duty death status, which gives families full benefits to help them in the future.

Sergeant Thomas entered the military after graduating from high school. He was a US Air Force Veteran. Once Thomas left the military, he continued in civil service. He joined the Griffin Police Department and has been a member for more than 22 years.

Thomas started working as an officer in 1999. He held several positions and worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Michael Todd is the 35th officer to die from the pandemic in Georgia.

Griffin Police Department, Georgia

Thomas was a sworn member of the Griffin Police Department. The agency employs more than 100 full-time sworn officers and approximately 11 civilian workers. Located in Spalding County, Griffin was founded in 1840. It is also nicknamed the Iris City. The city’s motto and police department motto are one: “Growing, Together.”

The town is a growing suburb in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Currently, officers with the Griffin Police Department provide services to about 23,500 residents. As the region continues to grow – together, the Griffin Police Department will face the challenge of growing with the city.

Remembrances

Sergeant Michael Todd Thomas leaves behind his wife and two children. Celebrations were made of Thomas’s life, and residents lined the streets to show their gratitude to the fallen officer as he was escorted home. Many neighbors, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers will help support the Thomas family during these difficult times.

The Griffin County Police Department shared a statement regarding the loss of Sergeant Thomas. “It is with great sadness that we report the death of Sgt. Todd Thomas. Sgt. Thomas was hospitalized and passed away earlier today from complications of COVID-19. Sgt. Thomas began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Griffin Police Department attaining the rank of sergeant. Sgt. Thomas was 52 years old and planning his retirement for early 2022. Please join us in extending our most heartfelt sympathies to Sgt. Todd Thomas’ family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Thomas family today and in the days to come.”

Lt. Samuel Hurst, with the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, spoke of his friend and trainer. “Sgt. Thomas was one of the first field training officers I had when I worked with GPD. He was a very knowledgeable person with a great heart. He taught me things that have helped me get where I am today. He will be greatly missed.”