2018 Election
Thomas E. Thrash
Jefferson County District Judge, Place 11
Thomas E. Thrash
Party: Democrat
Age: 48
Residence: Pleasant Grove
Political Experience: None
Professional experience: Thrash Law Firm, solo practitioner working primarily in criminal defense but also in personal injury, family law and landlord-tenant law, 2006-present; police sergeant, Birmingham Police Department, 1995-present; deputy, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 1993-1995; Corrections Division Supervision Pre-Trial Inmates, Jefferson County Jail; Hueytown firefighter/medic 1990-1993; Fire Prevention Safety and Emergency Medical Technician Level II, U.S. Army Reserve, 1988-1994. Member of the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Education: Lawson State Community College, 1991-1994, associate degree in criminal justice; University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1997-2000, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; Miles School of Law, 2001-2006, juris doctorate.
Civic experience: Red Cross volunteer; board member, Red Cross Bessemer Office, 2013-2016; treasurer, Miles Law School Alumni Association; 2015 Leadership Cup Award Winner, Birmingham Police Department; deacon/member 21st Street Baptist Church; sponsor of Bikes for Bessemer, 2013-present; and sponsor of God’s Good Girls, 2016-present.
Main issues: Thrash believes his law enforcement experience would help him be an effective judge. He promised to follow the law fairly.
“As a law enforcement officer, I have learned that crime presents itself in opportunity and opportunity is manifest to the mind. My plan is to become actively involved in existing programs that focus on education (academic and technical); better job opportunities and community awareness,” Thrash said. “I want to devote some time to help the community in preventive efforts and promote positive decision-making situations for our youth. Crimes against persons are a sad but current reality. It is imperative to protect all citizens.”
He added, “I want to ensure that all present during those unfortunate times where families must be in court to support either the victim of crime or the person accused receive the respect that all citizens are due from the bench. People may not always like a decision made, but they can accept a decision that is carefully considered and respectfully explained.”
Total campaign contributions: $73,718.
