Obituary of Daniel Thomas

Daniel Edward ThomasCORONA, Calif. - CWO Dan E. Thomas, 50 of Corona, Calif., died tragically on Aug. 20, 2014, on his way to work in a traffic accident. He was born on May 16 1964, in Abington, Pa., to CPO (Ret.) Fred and Daisy Thomas of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and currently South Portland. He was also the grandson of the late Edgar E and Helen F. Thomas of Standish.Dan was a graduate of Bonny Eagle High School class of 1982. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves in 1981, and went active duty in 1986 to present. He was currently serving as chief warrant officer in the Enforcement Division at Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach in San Pedro, Calif.He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in criminal justices, he earned a master's degree in business administration in human resource management. Dan also received the following awards throughout his USCG career: Meritorious Service Medal, Global War of Terrorism Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal (5), Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (5) Coast Guard, Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon (2) Coast Guard Pistol Sharpshotter, Ribbon Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon Coast Guard, Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon (3) Coast Guard "E" Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Coast Guard, Special Operations Service Ribbon (4) Coast Guard Rifle Expert Medal Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (6), and the Department of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award.The following tribute was presented to Dan at his Military memorial service that was held on Base Los Angeles - Long Beach Calif.Dan was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for meritorious service in the performance of duty as a member of the Enforcement Division, Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif., from June 2010 to August 2014. Displaying exceptional leadership, foresight, and determination, he seized every opportunity and innovatively combated the rising maritime drug smuggling and migrant threat in the California Coastal Region. His extraordinary ingenuity was critical to the establishment of the Los Angeles – Long Beach Regional Coordinating Mechanism (ReCoM), linking over 60 state and local agencies and the Department of Homeland Security partners to create a robust response to emerging threats. Leveraging extensive port partnerships, he was instrumental in the initiation and establishment of a multi-agency Maritime Coordination Center, providing real time communications and de-confliction to integrate the safe and effective response efforts of more than 50 agencies. Concurrently, he developed critical interagency protocols for panga boat custody, pollution clean-up, intelligence requirement, crime scene integrity, and disposition of suspects, migrants, and narcotics. The combined effect resulted in interdiction rates rising from approximately 30 to 65 percent, the apprehension of over 684 migrants and smugglers, the seizure of 151,561 pounds of narcotics, and the assimilation of evidence required to prosecute transnational criminals. Drawing national attention from both Congress and the Department, the ReCoM and its interagency collaboration served as a model for coordination initiatives throughout the country. When smugglers aboard a panga intentionally rammed a cutter small boat resulting in the tragic loss of a Coast Guard member, he quickly assumed Incident Commander for a 40-member multi-agency team that searched for suspects and evidence of smuggling. His unmatched leadership was pivotal in obtaining the evidence which led to the federal conviction of the panga operators. Chief Warrant Officer THOMAS' dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard. Dan will always be remembered for his big beautiful smile, his ability to foster and care for others and his willingness to take charge when needed, but most of all Dan will be remembered for his devotion to his family, friends and USCG, for his love of brewing his own beer, he mastered this technique with a lot of research and practice. He also loved to BBQ and built his own outdoor kitchen with a built-in keg dispenser. He and Michelle also enjoyed working on home improvement projects together, gardening and traveling. At the time of his death he and Michelle were very excited with their dream trip planned to Hawaii in October. Not only did the family and friends lose a great man, the nation did as will. Besides his parents, Dan leaves behind his lovely wife Michelle of 24 years; his daughter Alexis Thomas of Battle Ground, Wash.; his step sons Derek McCutcheon of Vancouver, Wash., Ian McCutcheon and his wife Morgan of Battle Ground, Wash.; his grandchildren Taylor, Beckett, Ava and Kailyn; his sisters Linda Kellett and husband Stephen of Appleton, Wis., Susan Beliveau and husband Thomas of Hollis, Judy Kendrick and husband Kevin of Limington, Diana Burgess and husband Steven of Standish; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, which include his close cousins Keith Thomas and Virgil Thomas both of Raymond.Special thank you to the U.S. Coast Guard for the extraordinary memorial service and reception they hosted for Dan that was held on Base Los Angeles-Long Beach, Calif. Special thank you to The Patriot Guards for their attendance and support, as well as the representatives of the various Homeland Security Agencies who attended. The Thomas family would also like to extend a very special thank you to Admiral Joseph Servidio, Capt. Jennifer Williams, LT. Brownie Kuk and Ens. Joseph Lacanlale for all the support they provided the family during this very difficult time.