City's deputy police chief to retire later this month

Deputy Rochester Police Chief Jason Thomas ... retiring on Aug. 18 (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Police Department recently announced the upcoming retirement of Deputy Chief Jason Thomas after 32 years of public service in Rochester.

A ceremonial final walkout is scheduled for Aug. 18 at the conclusion of his last tour of duty.

Thomas started as a Police Explorer while a teenager at Spaulding High School, showing an interest in law enforcement. At the age of 21, he was officially hired as a communications specialist (dispatcher) where he excelled during his seven years in the center.

Ready for another challenge he was officially hired in as a patrol officer in December 1998. Since then, he's held several positions at the Rochester Police Department, including Patrol Officer, Training Coordinator, sergeant, and lieutenant.

Throughout his tenure, Thomas served as a Field Training Officer, First Line Supervision, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Incident Management, Internal Affairs, MEB Instructor, Homicide Investigation, Command Training, OC Instructor, and Physical Agility Instructor, to name a few. He is also a graduate of the 256th FBI National Academy.

In 2016, Thomas was promoted to Captain where he commanded both the Patrol Division and Support Division. He served in that role until Jan. 5, 2022, when he was sworn in as Deputy Chief during a Police Commission meeting.

Chief Gary Boudreau described Thomas as a dedicated public servant that has "gone above and beyond the call of duty" over the course of his career, working tirelessly to defend and protect life and property while being a positive role model and upstanding citizen.

"To say we're sad to see him go is an understatement," said Boudreau. "Jason Thomas is one of the finest individuals I've ever had the privilege to work with, an incredible example to all who follow in his footsteps. We wish him well in his future endeavors, but we'll miss him greatly here in Rochester."

When Thomas was sworn in as Deputy Chief, he described members of the Rochester Police Department as "the most amazing, dedicated, and hard-working men and woman in law enforcement anywhere."

"No one in law enforcement could do what they do if it were not for the support of family and friends," said Thomas. "Thank you for the continued support."

Following his retirement from the Rochester Police Department, Thomas plans to relocate to Florida.