APD Message From Chief Turner

Message From Chief Turner

Police officers dedicate themselves to public service and, in doing so, knowingly put their lives at risk on a daily basis to keep their communities safe. Police officers leave their homes and go to work every day, not knowing what dangers may arise. In performance of their duties, officers are sometimes called upon to make tremendous sacrifices to uphold justice and to protect the public. Police officers put their personal safety, and even their lives, in jeopardy to protect others. This selfless dedication all too often results in officers making the ultimate sacrifice.

In the late night hours of Tuesday, January 24, 2012, Senior Police Officer Gail Thomas made that ultimate sacrifice. She was the second woman to be killed in the line of duty in the Atlanta Police Department’s history. Words cannot possibly speak loudly enough – profoundly enough – when measured against the brave sacrifice Officer Thomas laid down for us all.

Few among us have the opportunity to do what we truly love. SPO Thomas loved being an Atlanta Police Officer. She saw it as the way to improving the lives of the people of her neighborhood and her city. From her initial employment as a communications dispatcher with the Atlanta Police Department, to her service as a 14-year member of our honor guard, she worked diligently everyday to make the city and the department better. Her infectious smile was often present, letting you know that if you knew her, you were a friend.

SPO Thomas’ daughter, Jasmine, was the light of her life. Jasmine is a part of our family and we will be here for her during this difficult time - and beyond. We will grieve with Jasmine, but we will also envelop her in our collective arms to make sure the dream her mother had for her to finish college is completed.

While we are numb today, and there is a dull ache in our hearts, souls and spirits, we at the Atlanta Police Department are strong and resilient. It is the Police Officer who vigilantly serves the public, protecting the society from evil and preserving our freedoms. As has been eloquently said: It is the Police Officer who is ready to defend the innocent against aggression and the weak against the violent, standing ready to serve and protect even their life if necessary. It is the Police Officer, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin will be draped by the flag.

I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of sympathy during this dark hour. We have genuinely been touched by the condolences. I also want to thank those who assisted us during a difficult time, including Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Transportation.

Senior Police Officer Gail Thomas’ death is a tremendous loss to her family, friends, fellow colleagues, and the community she served. But we will stand strong and tall, and make this tragedy serve as a reminder that we all stand ready to serve and protect the city of Atlanta. While a shining beacon of light was suddenly extinguished much too soon, we will draw upon our personal strength and the strength of the Atlanta Police Department to get through this difficult loss. We will forever remember and honor SPO Gail Thomas for her ultimate sacrifice.

Respectfully,
Chief George Turner
Atlanta Police Department

Content Editor

<H2>Message From Chief Turner</H2>
Police officers dedicate themselves to public service and, in doing so, knowingly put their lives at risk on a daily basis to keep their communities safe. Police officers leave their homes and go to work every day, not knowing what dangers may arise. In performance of their duties, officers are sometimes called upon to make tremendous sacrifices to uphold justice and to protect the public. Police officers put their personal safety, and even their lives, in jeopardy to protect others. This selfless dedication all too often results in officers making the ultimate sacrifice. 
In the late night hours of Tuesday, January 24, 2012, Senior Police Officer Gail Thomas made that ultimate sacrifice. She was the second woman to be killed in the line of duty in the Atlanta Police Department’s history. Words cannot possibly speak loudly enough – profoundly enough – when measured against the brave sacrifice Officer Thomas laid down for us all.
 Few among us have the opportunity to do what we truly love. SPO Thomas loved being an Atlanta Police Officer. She saw it as the way to improving the lives of the people of her neighborhood and her city. From her initial employment as a communications dispatcher with the Atlanta Police Department, to her service as a 14-year member of our honor guard, she worked diligently everyday to make the city and the department better. Her infectious smile was often present, letting you know that if you knew her, you were a friend. 
SPO Thomas’ daughter, Jasmine, was the light of her life. Jasmine is a part of our family and we will be here for her during this difficult time - and beyond. We will grieve with Jasmine, but we will also envelop her in our collective arms to make sure the dream her mother had for her to finish college is completed.
 While we are numb today, and there is a dull ache in our hearts, souls and spirits, we at the Atlanta Police Department are strong and resilient. It is the Police Officer who vigilantly serves the public, protecting the society from evil and preserving our freedoms. As has been eloquently said:  It is the Police Officer who is ready to defend the innocent against aggression and the weak against the violent, standing ready to serve and protect even their life if necessary. It is the Police Officer, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin will be draped by the flag. 
I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of sympathy during this dark hour. We have genuinely been touched by the condolences. I also want to thank those who assisted us during a difficult time, including Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Transportation.
 Senior Police Officer Gail Thomas’ death is a tremendous loss to her family, friends, fellow colleagues, and the community she served. But we will stand strong and tall, and make this tragedy serve as a reminder that we all stand ready to serve and protect the city of Atlanta. While a shining beacon of light was suddenly extinguished much too soon, we will draw upon our personal strength and the strength of the Atlanta Police Department to get through this difficult loss. We will forever remember and honor SPO Gail Thomas for her ultimate sacrifice.
 Respectfully, Chief George Turner Atlanta Police Department <IMG src="http://www.atlantapd.org/files/ChiefPic.png">