Edwanton “Eddie” A. Thomas accomplished more in 28 years of life then many people do in 80 years — with an unwavering positive attitude, an infectious sense of humor and untiring devotion to police work.
That is how family, friends, fellow uniformed officers and citizens remembered the fallen Brier police officer at a ceremony of appreciation on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006. At least 1,500 people attended the service at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds.
Thomas was one of the selfless people in life who know the joy of sharing their time and talent with others, said Brier Mayor Bob Colinas.
“Eddie brought a great deal of joy into the lives of others and was living a lifelong dream,” Colinas said. “This life of service is a rich and noble legacy that is the most priceless contribution anyone can make in this life.”
Everyone should take this opportunity to follow Thomas’ example and be reminded to serve others, Colinas said.
Thomas died in the line of duty on Sept. 12 after an apparent struggle while responding to an aid call at the home of former Brier mayor Gary Starks (see related story).
Thomas is the first Brier officer to die in the line of duty in the department’s history.
During the service, Brier police chief Don Lane explained why he hired Thomas. Most officers say they want to help others and leave it at that, Lane said.
“I had to stop Eddie after telling me for 45 minutes everything he could do for the police department,” Lane said.
Thomas joined Brier Police in January and did exactly as he promised, Lane said. He won grants, secured equipment, organized training and worked hard to improve the department. Thomas recently arranged for a crime-scene van to be donated to the city of Brier.
“Eddie’s accomplishments, the people he knew and the people that knew him, his positive attitude that never changed and his untiring devotion to the citizens of Brier and his fellow officers were amazing to me,” Lane said. “We are so glad that he came to work for us in our small community and are saddened that we no longer have Eddie’s talent, energy and enthusiasm.”
At least 100 family members and friends attended the service. Thomas is survived by his girlfriend, Rita Kimborowicz and her two children, Joshuah and Madeline; parents, Diane A. and Eddie Lee Thomas; brother, Michael Thomas; two sisters, Michelle Allred and Kala K. Garnett; an extended family and a large group of friends.
Speaking to Thomas’ family, Colinas said, “Thanks to all of you, because the bravery and commitment that Eddie displayed every day did not just happen. His courage and character that we admire so much came from the strength and the support of all of you.”
Family and friends said Thomas knew how to enjoy life and encouraged others to better themselves, but still laugh.
“My sense of humor, my drive are all gifts that he left for me,” said lifelong friend Trevor Tillman during the service. “He is going to be here and he is here with all of us. He left me with so many gifts. My best friend gave his life to his community.”
A tribute video showed pictures of Thomas as he was growing up, being with family and enjoying his favorite pastimes, like fishing, golfing, camping and boating.
Thomas always wanted to be a police officer. As a child, he rode a bike around the Lynnwood apartment complex where he grew up, chasing and arresting other children with toy handcuffs.
Pursuing his dream, he joined the Explorer Scouts at Edmonds Police Department as a teenager.
He graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School in 1997. He attended Everett Community College and Crown College in Tacoma and earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice.
Thomas was so motivated, he became a police officer at age 20.
He started his career with the Quinault Police Department in Taholah and then the Evergreen State College Police Department. Moving up, he was a sergeant with the Sauk-Suiattle Police Department in Darrington for four years.
Thomas served as a port security officer with the rank of petty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He was a member of the Seattle-based Maritime Safety and Security Team.
Hundreds of uniformed officers from as far away as Wenatchee came to honor Thomas for his service. At least 60 U.S. Coast Guard personnel attended the service.
A procession, including dozens of police cars and motorcycles, escorted a hearse carrying the body ofThomas from Beck’s Funeral Home to Westgate Chapel in Edmonds. Uniformed officers on horses and bagpipers joined the procession shortly before it arrived at the chapel.
After the service, the procession drove past a memorial outside of Brier City Hall, where people continue to leave flowers and cards in Thomas’ memory. The procession arrived at Floral Hills Memorial Park Wednesday afternoon, where Thomas was buried. A reception followed at New Beginnings Church in Mountlake Terrace.
Memorial funds have been established at: The Edwanton Thomas Memorial Fund at any Sterling Savings Bank to help the family with expenses; and to The Lynnwood Police Officers Association Officer Memorial Fund at the Evergreen Bank for funeral expenses.
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