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Incident
Police Officer James Thomas was shot and killed when he interrupted an armed robbery at a convenience store at 4551 Griffin Road. In 1986, after a three-year investigation of 11 unsolved murders, including Officer Thomas', Broward County deputies and FBI agents arrested several members of the notorious Outlaws Motorcycle Gang. An investigation into their activities revealed that two former members were the suspects wanted for Officer Thomas' murder. One had been killed in a motorcycle accident in Kentucky a few weeks after the murder. The other suspect, who was implicated as the gunman, was captured by FBI agents in Anderson, South Carolina, on July 7th, 1993. He was charged with Officer Thomas' murder, armed robbery, and several other crimes. On November 14th, 1994, in a plea bargain arrangement, he pleaded guilty to extortion and drug dealing and was sentenced to five years in prison. All other charges including the murder charge were dropped. Officer Thomas is survived by his wife and daughter. He had served with the Dania Police Department for three years.
Survivors
Officer Thomas is survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Thomas gave the Dania Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dania community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dania Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 27. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 27. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in FL, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Dania Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 23.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Dania Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Dania Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
