Veteran Carrollton officer dies at 40

Veteran Carrollton police Officer Tom Pease died early Sunday in his hometown of Bluffton, Ind., where he was planning to attend a friend's wedding. He was 40.

Officer Pease started his career with the Carrollton Police Department in September 1985. During his 18-year career, he was assigned to the patrol division through 1990 and to the criminal investigations division until 2001.

In 2001, he was placed on special assignment with a multi-jurisdiction federal drug task force. For many years, Officer Pease also was a member of the Carrollton department's tactical team.

While serving in Carrollton, Officer Pease received 100 personal honors and commendations. He was honored as Service Club Officer of the Year in 1991 and 1999. He received his Master Peace Officer recognition in 2000 and a Meritorious Conduct Award this year.

Officer Pease was a major contributor to his unit's seizure of a large number of stolen vehicles, illegal firearms, drugs and money, police spokesman David Sponhour said.

"Tom has been a dedicated and competent criminal investigator," said Carrollton Police Chief David James. "He has been an asset to both our community and to the larger concerns of our region and nation in his role on the [federal drug] task force. He will be missed both personally and professionally by his friends and colleagues."

He is survived by his wife, Julie; father John Pease; stepmother Phyllis Pease; and stepchildren Kyle and Jackie. Services were Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Bluffton.