Sergeant Thomas A. Staples
Douglas County Sheriffs Office
Highlands Ranch, CO
Date of Death: May 2, 2019
Age: 46
Years of service: 21
Duty Status: Active
Veteran: Yes
Sergeant Tom (Tommy) Staples was a proud member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years who died by suicide on May 2, 2019.
During his years of service, he was a patrol deputy, Corporal, Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO coordinator, Police Academy Instructor and Sergeant. Before his long-standing career at the Sheriff’s Office, Tom served his country in the United States Marine Corp. He was so proud of his military service and was the most patriotic person I know. His love for this country was infectious!
As a young boy Tom knew he wanted to be a Police Officer, he loved his job and excelled at serving his community. Unfortunately, like many Officers he poured so much of himself into everyone around him and never took the time help to himself.
Tom formed many deep relationships with his coworkers over the years and made a strong impact on the lives of the officers at the academy and everyone who knew him. His love for his family and friends ran deep. Married for 12.5 years, together for 15, he and his wife JoAnna had 3 children; a daughter and two sons
“He could always make me laugh. He was really funny,” JoAnna said. She said he loved to be outdoors and to barbecue, and he had a great sense of humor.
Now, as his family tries to find a new path forward, they want other families to learn from their experience. “I want people to learn that there is help out there, and don’t be afraid to ask for it,” Joanna said. “Although he lost his battle, we will forever honor our Hero and speak out about the importance of mental health in our first responders.
The Staples family would like to thank the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marine Corp for providing a funeral with honors and for recognizing the man and officer that Tom was. The support they have been shown by the Sheriff’s Office and everyone around them has been incredible and they are so proud to be a part of such a wonderful Blue Family.
