Dr. Duanne J. (DJ) Thompson, Reinhardt’s Executive Director of its Public Safety Institute, Police Academy Director, Police Captain, and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2026, at the age of 56.
Dr. Thompson served the profession of public safety valiantly and with utmost dedication. Throughout his 34-year career in law enforcement, his variety of capacities included undercover work, gang interdiction, SWAT, digital forensics, criminal investigations, counterterrorism preparedness, and instructing emergency vehicle operations and firearms. He possessed a true passion for teaching and an endless thirst for knowledge.
“I have known Dr. Thompson for many years, and I witnessed his dedication to his students,” stated Reinhardt President Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D. “His focus was on helping criminal justice majors to apply concepts to the reality of the profession. In particular, Professor Thompson took great pride in guiding students toward research that taught insight about their communities. In this way, Dr. Thompson exemplified what it means to be a “practicing scholar.” Scholarship has tremendous value and applying those powerful skills amplifies an officer’s ability to protect and serve — this is what Professor Thompson believed, taught, and lived, daily.”
A humble man who never sought recognition, Dr. Thompson touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and an unwavering spirit of generosity. He loved sports, scuba diving, fishing, and traveling, but always prioritized his community, public service, and mentoring students and professionals. He volunteered to serve as an expert with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI) and was invested in the success of the Wildlife CSI Academy.
Dr. Thompson is survived by his wife and son, who have established a Police & First Responder Scholarship in his name. It honors his legacy while continuing his passion for training those who serve our communities.
All are invited to a celebration of Dr. Thompson’s life on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. It will be in the Hoke O’Kelley Auditorium located in Reinhardt University’s Burgess Administration Building, supported by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
