HOUSTON – Houston Police Department leaders and family members said goodbye Tuesday to an officer who broke barriers.
Senior Officer Edward Thomas' career with HPD spanned 63 years. Dozens gathered at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for his funeral.
"Mr. Thomas was a very smart man, very quiet, modest and deeply private," said HPD Chief Charles McClelland.
Thomas graduated from the police academy in cadet class #1 in 1948 and served during a time of discrimination.
"He was denied the ability to drive a police car, attend roll call with his white counterparts," said McClelland.
"Mr. Thomas was not wanted in the community because he was police, he was not wanted on the police force because he was black," said Houston City Councilman C.O. Bradford.
But, he overcame those challenges and worked for HPD for 63 years. He retired just four years ago at the age of 92.
Three weeks ago, the department renamed its headquarters in his honor.
To say a final goodbye, officers stood at salute, helicopters flew above and a horse drawn carriage carried him away.
Thomas was buried at the Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony.