State, local officials gather to dedicate Deputy Cruz Thomas Memorial Highway

CANON — Family, friends and public safety personnel gathered in downtown Canon Saturday to remember the life of Deputy Sheriff Steven LaCruz “Cruz” Thomas, who died in an on-duty accident on May 21, 2014.

Thomas, son of Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas and his wife Tina, worked full-time for Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and was working for Franklin County Sheriff’s Office when the vehicle crash that claimed his life occurred on Interstate 85 near Carnesville.

Saturday’s service included the posting of colors by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, a welcome and remarks by the Rev. Paul Creason of Canon Baptist Church, remarks by State Rep. Alan Powell, State Sen. John Wilkinson and Jim Andrews of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Also during the ceremony, Chief Rodney Kennedy of Canon Fire Department made the presentation of a framed uniform shirt to the Thomas family.

The Thomas family joined Powell and Wilkinson for the unveiling of a sign designating the Deputy Cruz Thomas Memorial Highway. One of those signs is located on Ga. 17 just inside the city limits in Hart County, while the other is located on Ga. 17 near the city limits at The Flats.

Following the ceremony, the honor guard raised an American flag on a flagpole donated in memory of Cruz Thomas.

Deputy Cruz Thomas' mother, Tina, left; sister, Desiree Thomas McAdams; daughter, Taliya Thomas; and father, Sheriff Steve Thomas unveil the sign designating Ga. Highway 17 through Canon as Deputy Cruz Thomas Memorial Highway. Also shown are Rep. Alan Powell and State Sen. John Wilkinson.

Jim Andrews of the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety discusses his friend, Deputy Cruz Thomas, who died in the line of duty.

The Hall County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard enters Canon Baptist Church during Saturday's observance.

Rodney Kennedy of Canon Fire Department makes a presentation to the Thomas family.

The Hall County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard raises the American flag on a pole dedicated in memory of Deputy Sheriff Cruz Thomas.

One of those in attendance at Saturday's ceremony visits with Taliya Thomas, daughter of Deputy Cruz Thomas. Also shown are Thomas' sister, Desiree Thomas McAdams and Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum.

Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum and representatives of Georgia State Patrol Post 52 in Hartwell join Sheriff Steve Thomas, members of his staff and Taliya Thomas for a photograph outside Canon Baptist Church.

Signs designating the Deputy Cruz Thomas Memorial Highway are now unveiled on Ga. 17 within the Canon city limits.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/10/594198/state-local-officials-gather-to-dedicate-deputy-cruz-thomas-memorial-highway