Colorado Officer Dies in Line of Duty

In case you have not heard, Eagle County (Colorado) Sheriff's Sgt. Gregory Thompson died Saturday from complications stemming from a line-of-duty incident. While full details have not yet been released, I have learned that Greg became extremely ill after responding to a report of a suicidal party and, while investigating same, found himself in a full-blown active meth lab. The exposure ultimately proved fatal (and a most unpleasant way to go).

Folks, I should not need to remind you that dealing with meth, meth labs, cookers, addicts, etc. is EXTREMELY dangerous. We are only now starting to realize the long-term effects of meth exposure (I'll have more on this later).

Finally, the media, public and (sadly) some in our own profession will no doubt paint Greg's death as being somehow less heroic (and thus less worthy of attending) than if he had been shot or stabbed. That is complete HOGWASH and must stop. Good officers are all-too-often succombing to the long and short-term effects of what deal with on the street. Their sacrifice is NO LESS honorable (and often far more painful and long-term) than sudden death incidents. PLEASE be careful and remember that officer safety means far more than just watching a suspect(s).

I'll have more on this later and plan to attend the funeral on Saturday. Until then, please keep Greg's family and LEO brothers and sisters in your prayers.

(Thanks to FPD Chief Gottschalk for bringing this to my attention last night).