Deputy Cruz Thomas Honored On Rolling Memorial

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

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

Thomas was killed last May on I-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.

“Today we’re going to unveil a name and that name is going to be number 695, going back to 1794 in Georgia,” said Ed Christian, co-founder of the Blue Knights. “And they were all killed in the line of duty.”

Earlier this month, the group brought their rolling memorial to the Rocky Ford Recreation Center in Carnesville.

On the memorial are inscribed the names of all of the fallen law enforcement officers in Georgia dating back to 1794.

Christian is a retired police officer with Atlanta Police and currently works for the Department of Homeland Security.

He said it’s important to remember those who have given their lives in service to their communities.

“We all need to be aware of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers and the sacrifices made by their families,” Christian said. “They’ve given up a loved one as did the community. He belonged to all of you. This wall is a part of that; remembering those officers, remembering the stories; keeping those memories alive.”

Holding his baby granddaughter Friday afternoon, Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, along with his wife Tina and daughter Desiree’ unveiled their son Cruz’s name.

Thomas said he and his family are honored their son Cruz is being remembered in this special way.

“It’s an honor, Thomas said. “It shows appreciation to the families and the memory of all of the officers who have been killed. It shows support. It also shows the support of the citizens and how much they appreciate the work we do.”

Thomas also noted another Franklin County law enforcement officer is also remembered on the Blue Knights rolling memorial.

“Sheriff Dan Ayers was killed in 1964 and the first time I saw it (memorial) I took a picture of it,” Thomas said. “That’s two in Franklin County that are on there.”

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