Final Word: Phoenix officer knew risks and we thank him for taking them

We are getting details about the shootout Monday that resulted in the death of a Phoenix police pfficer.

Detective John Hobbs was working, undercover, with a partner, who was also shot, surveilling a suspect who had recently been released from prison. He was wanted in connection with an attempted murder last month.

This is the stuff the police dramas are about and for good reason.

We say it all the time but it is days like this that you actually FEEL it when you hear that police officers put their lives on the line every day.

Did you consider this morning the possibility that you might get shot before dinner? I didn’t think so.

Detective Hobbs was watching his suspect, William Ray Thornton, who got out of his car near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

Hobbs gave chase. He wasn’t wearing a protective vest. There wasn’t time.

Being undercover means the bad guys don’t know who you are. It also means you don’t raise any suspicion, even by the neighbors or the guy who pours your coffee.

NO matter, Detective Hobbs chased anyway.

He knew that Thornton was bad news and wouldn’t think twice of taking a life while getting away. He went after him, just like we expect him to do.

Thornton shot Hobbs and his partner, mortally wounding Detective Hobbs.

Again, no matter. Hobbs shot back. He wasn’t about to let the bad guy get away, even if he knew he could die.

And he got his guy — Thornton died at the scene.

Detective Hobbs died later at St. Joseph’s, where his parter was also taken. The partner, who hasn’t been identified, is now in stable condition.

Detective John Hobbs, 43, had a wife. He had three children. He was just doing his job.

And because he did, one bad guy won’t get the chance to do any more harm.

What an awful trade.

Peace, Officer Hobbs.

Peace to your partner and his family as well.

Phoenix thanks you.