Ofc. Fred Thornton: "Gift" to Family, Friends, Charlotte

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by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Mar 1, 2011 at 8:38 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 1, 2011 at 11:38 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Fred Thornton was a gift - to his family, to his friends and to Charlotte.  That's how the SWAT officer was remembered during a funeral service for him Tuesday morning.  Hundreds showed up and marched down South Davidson Street to First Baptist Church.  Thornton's casket was escorted by horse drawn caisson.  

Friends and colleagues spoke about Thornton.  The police chief, Rodney Monroe, remembered the 50-year-old's commitment to his work, despite a bad on-the-job knee injury last year.  Monroe says, "Fred could have very easily allowed his injuries to take him into retirement.  No one would have uttered a word.  Young officers take note of this.  It's not about your age.  It's about what's in your heart and mind that allows you to reach higher levels."

Thornton is remembered for being a great cop and a loving husband and father, but his fellow officers say if they had to describe him in one word, it is "it."  Detective Garry McFadden says, "That is something you're born with.  'It's' hard to describe, but a lot of people want 'it,' a lot of people can't find 'it,' Fred definitely had 'it'."

After the service, one police car after the next made it's way to Sharon Memorial Park for the burial service.  People lined up, with their hands over their hearts, to watch.  One man says, "It always helps anyone to feel like they're supported by those around them, that the community stands up for what they do and believes in them."

Another resident, Milton Almond, sat along the roadside with an American flag for two hours to show his support.  He says, "I'm only sorry that there's not more and more and more people out here."

His colleagues say Thornton was "born" to be an officer.  But what they will miss has little to do with work.  McFadden got choked up when he said, "He'll be missed by the uniformed and SWAT guys, but you know, I think the most part, is he's missed as a friend.  Yep.  He's missed as a friend."

Thornton was killed while trying to secure a "flash bang" grenade.  He is survived by his wife Linda and their four kids.  The youngest is 13.

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