THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
ABOVE: Larry Thomason in CIMG studios in 2020.
The Danville Police Department regrets to announce the passing of Larry Thomason on Friday morning, 11/14/25. Larry served the Danville Police Department (DPD) and our community for nearly 50 years. After serving in the US Army from 1966 to 1968, Larry began as a DPD cadet in 1970 and then a sworn officer in August of 1971. While at DPD Larry served in several roles. He was a patrol officer, detective, training and evidence officer, Auxiliary Police Coordinator, and Public Information Officer (PIO) just to name a few. Larry also served as the President of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association. Off duty, Larry was an instructor at DACC teaching Laws of Evidence, was on several boards, and held membership in several organizations.
Larry retired as a sworn officer in May 2004 after 33 years of service, however, remained as a civilian employee in charge of Personnel Training and Evidence. Larry continued assisting with press releases and was a good resource of experience. Larry continued as the coordinator for the Auxiliary Police. In June 2007, Larry became the Director of Public Safety where he served until he retired in March of 2019. Larry lived a life of service to both his country and community. I worked with Larry from the beginning of my career in 1995 and even remember when he came to my classroom, as I was 3rd grader in elementary school, to teach me and my classmates about safety. Larry Thomason was very well known to the community for years and represented the Danville Police Department to the best of his ability.
I remember disagreeing with Larry when he was the Director of Public Safety on an issue as I was working under him as the Commander of Patrol Division. I left the meeting with little doubt that I was on the right side of the issue. Several years later, I realized that I was incorrect and felt obligated to call him even though he was retired. I needed to thank him for putting his foot down and sticking to what he knew to be right. He didn’t gloat. He showed me humility and respect. It was a call that I was reluctant to make but very thankful that I did. I appreciated our conversation and those that followed.
Larry was honest and fair. He was always available as the Director of Public Safety and would often show up at a scene, regardless of the time of night/morning, and then still be available during regular hours. Larry was committed to law enforcement, the Department, and the community of Danville. We appreciate and celebrate his life, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
-Chief Christopher Yates
