KING

Officer Eddie Thomas, right.

EDMONDS, Wash. - His death remains a mystery, but his life is remembered by hundreds who called him an inspiration. Brier Police Officer Eddie Thomas was buried Wednesday, a week after dying in the line of duty.

Thomas was remembered for his ever-present smile, infectious energy and exuberant attitude. He was someone who truly loved to serve his community.

“One of my officers said, ‘Chief if you told Eddie you wanted helicopter at 5 p.m. when you left that night - you'd have one sitting in the parking lot when you arrived,” said a tearful Brier Police Chief Donald Lane.

Thomas’ longtime friend, Trevor Tillman, said Thomas was like a big brother.

“He was always there for me, always in my corner. I could always look behind me and see him there,” he said. “My sense of humor, my drive, my dedication are all gifts that he’s left for me.”

After the memorial, a motorcade of more than 150 police vehicles traveled to the cemetery for the graveside service at Floral Hill Cemetery in Lynnwood.

Thomas died Sept. 12 at the home of former mayor Gary Starks. Starks was arrested for investigation of assault but he said through friends that he was in diabetic shock and doesn't remember what happened.

The exact cause of Thomas' death remains unknown, and at Wednesday's service, Tillman said his friend's life was not lost in vain.

“My best friend gave his life for his community … and I have never been so proud of him in my entire life as I am today,” he said.

Thomas graduated from Mountlake Terrace High School in 1997 and continued his education at Everett Community College and Crown College in Tacoma, he earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice.

He began his career with the Quinault Police Department in Taholah, as well as with the Evergreen State College Police Department.  Prior to joining the Brier Police Department in January of 2006, he was a sergeant with the Sauk-Suiattle Police Department in Darrington. 

Thomas also served as a port security officer with the rank of Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

There are two memorial funds in honor of Thomas.

The Edwanton Thomas Memorial Fund has been set up at Sterling Savings Bank to help with funeral expenses. Another fund for funeral expenses from The Lynnwood Police Officers Association called the Officer Thomas Memorial Fund has been set up at Evergreen Bank.