Tony L. Thames

MI State Police — Lansing, MI

Felonious

End of Watch June 12, 1983

Age 25

The Vigil Panel 127 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 56

Incident

Trooper Thames was shot and killed while attempting to intervene in an armed robbery while off duty. He and a companion were approached by two men in Detroit. One of the men produced a handgun and pointed it at Trooper Thames. In an act of self-defense he produced his department-issued off duty weapon. A scuffle ensued in which Trooper Thames was fatally wounded. As the suspects fled Trooper Thames was able to return fire and wound one of the suspects. The subject was later apprehended and convicted of first degree murder.

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Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Thames served with the Michigan State Police.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Thames.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department MI State Police

Location Lansing, MI

Platform Identity msp.mi.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 12, 1983

Age 25

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun

Offender Convicted of murder

Trooper Tony L. Thames is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At MI State Police, 27 of 57 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.4% of this agency's fallen.

MI State Police

of 57 officers

47.4% Felonious

MI — Statewide

426

of 718 officers

59.3% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious