Blue Strong decals raise money for injured Jackson officer
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The community came together Thursday to show support for a Jackson police officer beaten on the job. The crowd gave Sgt. Mike Thomas a round of applause Thursday at the Jackson Police Department. “Absolutely floored by the outpouring of support that I‘ve gotten from the community,” Thomas said. “This today has just left me speechless. I just don’t know what to say.” Thomas still talked with his jaw wired shut nearly two months after a beating at a north Jackson gas station put him in the hospital. Police arrested Cepeda Coble in the assault. He is being held at the Madison County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond. “I’m doing well — getting better every day, getting stronger every day,” Thomas said. In an effort to help pay for things beyond medical expenses, community leaders announced a local campaign Thursday called Blue Strong. By purchasing a decal, you can support the Sgt. Mike Thomas Charitable Fund through the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation. Ann Luther helped kick-start the campaign. “I told my husband somebody’s got to do something, and I said it so many times he just handed me his phone,” Luther said. “He said ‘do something’ — ‘you be that somebody.'” People can purchase the decals with a suggested $5 donation. “We just want to make sure that we’re there to support him and his family and there for him during this time of need,” Jackson Interim Police Chief Julian Wiser said. Thomas said his injuries required surgery and weeks of treatment. “The support and the prayers from the community I believe have so far enabled my recuperation, me to get better,” he said. “I’m well beyond where I would have been otherwise.” Thomas said he looks forward to eating solid food and plans to return to work. You can purchase a Blue Strong decal at the Jackson Police Department, Jackson Energy Authority, The Bakers Rack, Resource Federal Credit Union, First South Bank, First State Bank, First Tennessee Bank, Community Bank and Trust, and Byrd & Byrd Attorneys at Law.
