SPD police officer Brenda Thompson, 50, died the evening of Tuesday, April 4, 2006 in St. John's Hospital. Brenda's death has been attributed to complications that developed after she underwent surgery on March 16 to remove her spleen.

Thompson was hired by the Springfield Police Department in February 1979, and served in numerous positions within the Department.

No visitation or funeral ceremonies were held; instead, Thompson's family planned a rememberance reception for Sunday, April 9 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Sangamon Prairie Reception Center at 201 South Main Street in Chatham. The family has requested that donations be made to the Animal Protective League in lieu of sending flowers.

PBPA Unit #5 extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the entire Thompson family and to Laine Tadlock, Brenda's life partner. Brenda was among Our Finest...

Our Finest

Not like the cops and robbers on a prime time TV show,
nor like the Sherriff in the Old Wild West
who would face and shoot the foe,

The officers who guard our streets are mortals, as we all,
who choose to work for a greater good
and in their work stand tall.

Standing a hedge against the forces that seek to hurt and kill,
each day they risk body and mind,
their duty to fulfill.

And when the dreaded call goes out that one of them is down,
with loyalty and amazing speed,
the fraternity gathers 'round.

They protect us from ourselves, they protect us from each other;
no finer service can be performed
than to stand in harms way for another.

Reproduced from Iatwah