John Thomas, 53, the Chicago Police Department’s second in command, died of a heart attack Thursday, March 6, in Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago. As first deputy superintendent, a position he held since 2000, Mr. Thomas reported to Supt. Terry Hillard, who described Mr. Thomas as a colleague, confidant and “dear friend.” Mr. Thomas, a Northwestern University graduate, was in charge of day-to-day operations of the department. He also served as the liaison to key federal agencies, said police spokesman David Bayless. Mr. Thomas started on the force in 1970 as a patrol officer and was promoted to detective in 1981 and worked in the Harrison Area violent crimes division on the West Side. He was also a tactical unit sergeant and lieutenant before becoming a district commander in 1996 and then commander of Grand Central Area detectives on the Northwest Side in 1998. Survivors include his wife and two daughters. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday in Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. At 7 p.m. Monday, a Chicago police chaplain will lead a St. Jude memorial service for officers at the funeral home. Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Francis Borgia Church, 8000 W. Addison St., Chicago.
