Blue Knights Pay Tribute To Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas

 A group known as the Blue Knights paid tribute to the memory of Franklin County and Jackson county sheriff’s Deputy Cruz Thomas.

Earlier this month, the group brought its rolling memorial to the Rocky Ford Recreation Center in Carnesville. Inscribed on the memorial are the names of all of the fallen law enforcement officers in Georgia dating back to 1794.

Deputy Thomas was killed last May on Interstate 85 while in pursuit of a speeding vehicle. During the chase, Thomas’ cruiser was cut off by a truck that changed lanes causing him to lose control and crash into a tree. He died at the scene.

Blue Knights co-founder Ed Christian is a retired Police Officer with the Atlanta Police Department and currently works for the Department of Homeland Security. He says that it is important to remember those who have given their lives is service to their communities, “We all need to be aware of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers and their families. They have given up a loved one as has the community. He (Thomas) belonged to all of you. This wall is a part of reminding the name and keeping the memories alive.”

Holding his baby grand daughter Friday afternoon, Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, along with his wife and daughter-in-law, unveiled their son Cruz’s name. Thomas says that he and his family are honored their son Cruz is being remembered in this special way, “It is an honor”; says Thomas, “The wall has the names of officers that have been killed in the line of duty throughout the ages. It’s something to show the appreciation to the families and the memory of all of the officers. The turnout today shows the appreciation of the citizens for the job we do.”

Thomas also notes that another Franklin County Law Enforcement Officer is also remembered on the Blue Knights rolling memorial, “The first time I saw it I saw the name of Sheriff Dan Ayers. He was killed in 1964. I found his name and took a picture of it. You can go back through the dates and those killed. That’s two from Franklin County.”

The memorial will be taken to Washington D.C. later this year and Deputy Thomas’ name will be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial.