Ward Layne Thomas, 44, died Friday August 13, 2010 at his home in Hatfield.

Born in Abington, he was the son of Robert J. and Joyce Sumter (Ansuini) Thomas of Blue Bell.

Det. Thomas started his law enforcement career in 1983 as a police dispatcher for Lower Gwynedd Township. In 1985, Ward Thomas was hired as a "Police Dispatcher" for the Montgomery Township Police Department and on August 1, 1986, he became a full time "Police Officer" with the department.

During his career with the Montgomery Township Police Department, Det. Thomas was assigned to the Patrol Division from 1986 to 1989, the K-9 Unit from 1989 to 2005, with two K-9 partners "Roman" from 1989 to 1996 and "Arras" from 1996 to 2005. He also served as the Officer-in-Charge of the K-9 Unit from 1994 to 2000. Detective Thomas has served as a detective since 2005. During his Law Enforcement career, Det. Thomas received numerous Letters of Commendations from the Police Department, the Township, private citizens and other law enforcement agencies. Det. Thomas also received several "Official Commendation" medals: two Life Saving Awards, two Unit Citation Awards, and two Certificate of Commendation Awards.

Det. Thomas was a member of the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 14, the United States Police Canine Association (U.S.P.C.A.) and a Special Investigator with the Montgomery County Drug Task Force.

Ward was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles No. 1761, were he served as Vice President. He was a former active member of the Wissahickon Fire Company and the Ambler Ambulance Assoc.
 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Jennifer "Jenny" Lynn (Kaler) Thomas. He was the devoted father of Mitchell Robert Thomas and Rachel Leigh Thomas and step father of Rebecca Gail Goodolf and Brianna Elaine Lawson. He was the loving brother of Robyn S. Thomas (Louis J. DiLonardo) of Lansdale and the son-in-law of Robert L. and Linda Kaler III of Hatfield. He is also survived by his Detective Partner, Michael F. Solis.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Wednesday, August 18, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Church of the Messiah,1001 DeKalb Pike, Gwynedd, with a funeral service at 12Noon. Interment will be in Hatfield Cemetery.

Remembrances in his name to: The Children of Detective Ward Thomas Trust Fund, C/O Citizens Bank, 273 DeKalb Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be made at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com

 

Return to Main Page