Team member: Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas
HIWU Investigator
Richard Thomas, an investigator for the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, has an extensive background in law enforcement, having served in both Colorado and Minnesota for over 31 years. His background includes time as a lieutenant in charge of narcotics, where he worked closely with the US Attorney’s Office for federally prosecuted drug/gang cases. Thomas also worked as a partner with the Department of Justice for grants to address violent crime issues. Furthermore, he was a command post supervisor for the Emergency Response Unit and supervisor for the High Risk Entry Team.
Most recently, Thomas spent five racing seasons as a compliance investigator for the Colorado Division of Racing Events at Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colorado.
Thomas is a silver medal winner in powerlifting at the World Police & Fire games and coached a team of at-risk inner-city youth that competed all over the country in Olympic lifting. The team was partially funded by the International Olympic Committee. Thomas also has a passion for clean sports competition and was a state board member for the American Drug-Free Powerlifting Association. He is certified by the National Federation of State High School Associations in sports officiating in five high school sports.
Thomas has a Bachelor of Science degree in law enforcement from Metropolitan State University.