‘I don’t even feel my age’ Little Rock Police Department officer entering 51st year of service

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An officer with the Little Rock Police Department has been serving for more than half a century.

Lieutenant C.P. Thomas Jr. is entering his 51st year on the force and he said the half-century has “gone by so fast”.

Thomas was 22 years old when he was sworn in and 50 years later at 72 years old, he’s still boots on the ground.

“I don’t even feel my age,” Thomas said.

The lieutenant hasn’t missed a beat, saying “I feel good. I’ve been blessed with good health.”

But when asked how long he will stay on the job, he responded with “I don’t know how much I have left in the tank.”

Thomas started as a field training officer and after 14 years he became a sergeant and then lieutenant in 1994.

Over the decades, he’s been recognized for his service a number of times, including being LRPD’s first Medal of Valor recipient.

Thomas said a lot has changed in 50 years, from the cars, to weapons and especially the technology.

Thomas said, “patrol officers didn’t even have a portable radio,” back when he started his career.

As time passed on, Thomas has seen many on the force come and go, but the reach he has extends to the new young officers who join the department.

“These young people are a family to me,” Thomas said. “I do my very best to take care of them to make sure they go home at night to their families.”

Going down memory lane, Thomas said the only thing he would tell his 22-year-old self is “to do the right thing.”

Thomas’ daughter, Hannah, is a sergeant with the Little Rock Police Department and has been with the department for nearly 10 years. Thomas said he’s sure one day she’ll hold the title of lieutenant.

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