Edwin Thomas was the “American Dream.”

An émigré from Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries, Edwin had made it in New York – a good union job with good pay and benefits, a wonderful family, and a multitude of friends and co-workers who loved him.

But on Dec. 8, 2008 more than 1,000 of those friends, family and union brothers and sisters gathered at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Cambria Heights, Queens to say goodbye to Brother Thomas, the victim of a senseless, unprovoked attack on his B- 46 Bus a week earlier.

Outside the church, Brother Thomas’ co-workers, all wearing their transit uniforms, stood in silent salute as the hearse carrying his coffin slowly drove by to the mournful sounds of pipes and drums played by members of the TA Emerald Society.

Inside the Church, Brother Thomas’ 18-year-old son, Jeffrey, read from the Bible at the start of the service, and brought everyone in the huge crowd to tears when he said: “I don’t remember the last time I said I love you. But I’m saying it today. I love you.”

Local 100 Vice President Stephen Thomas tearfully remembered his friend, his painful words, “This is not supposed to happen to a Bus Operator,” receiving deafening applause and nods of recognition from the mourners.

Local 100 Secretary Treasurer Ed Watt promised that Brother Thomas’ death would not be in vain. He pledged that the union would push hard for new legislation to hopefully prevent and deter future attacks on transit workers. Ironically, just last September, Watt and Local President Roger Toussaint had partnered with Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes on a program to aggressively prosecute those who would assault Bus Operators.

The State’s two top transit officials, MTA Chairman Elliot G. Sander and TA President Howard Roberts, were also in attendance. Roberts had earlier approved the union’s plan for all city buses to pull to the curb at noon for a moment of silence on the day of the funeral in tribute to Brother Thomas.

In his remarks, Mr. Sander told the mourners that Brother Thomas had received four commendations for his patience, courtesy and professionalism in his seven years on the job. “He worked some of the most challenging bus routes,” Mr. Sander said. “He earned the respect of all of his colleagues. Edwin Thomas made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”

Shortly after Brother Thomas’ murder on Dec. 1, 2008, Local President Toussaint, Secretary Treasurer Watt and TA President Roberts held a meeting in the crew room of the Flatbush depot to address safety concerns with scores of fellow drivers.

“This is a traumatic experience you’re going to carry with you the rest of your careers,” Toussaint said. “Edwin’s profile is one of a professional bus driver who rises to the occasion and meets challenges. One way to honor his memory is to do likewise.”

Brother Thomas’ attacker, a 20-year old with a long rap sheet and a history of violence, was being held without bail awaiting trial.