DJ Thompson spent 33 and a half years with the Evansville Police Department, long enough to have worked nearly every assignment the job had to offer. Hired at 23, DJ moved from motor patrol to detective work in the adult investigation unit among other specialized units, then into a sergeant’s role supervising multiple divisions, before retiring three years ago.

Finding Fulfillment in the Detective’s Office

Of everything DJ did over more than three decades, he found the most satisfaction working as a detective. Investigating robberies, homicides and complex cases gave him the chance to do what he believes is at the heart of good police work: genuinely care about victims and take real action to help them. One of his most memorable cases involved an investigation that crossed four or five state lines, included a crime scene in another state and helped bring two perpetrators to justice.

Beyond the high-profile cases, DJ witnessed countless quiet acts of service that rarely made headlines: an officer buying shoes for a woman in need at a bus stop, or his unit spending a full week repairing windows and siding on a community member’s deteriorating home. “People often get stuck on what a criminal looks like,” DJ reflects. “But the reality is that crime touches every walk of life. The job teaches you a lot about the human condition.”

A New Chapter, Together

DJ and his wife Debbie, also a retired Evansville police officer, retired within two weeks of each other, making the transition a shared adventure from day one. They’ve since filled their time with travel, their adult children, and the happy anticipation of their first grandchild. DJ remains active in the Fraternal Order of Police, having served as its president for nine years, and participates in charity walks and community events alongside Debbie.
The Hoosier Lottery has been a part of the Thompson household for years. Scratch-offs are a go-to stocking stuffer for the adults and the family occasionally pools their money to purchase Powerball tickets together.

The Vital Role of the Hoosier Lottery in First Responder Pensions

DJ’s retirement was a decision he and Debbie made with confidence, in large part because of the lifetime income provided by their police pensions. “After running the numbers, we just didn’t need to keep working,” he says. The Hoosier Lottery contributes approximately $30 million annually to local police and firefighter pension funds, helping ensure that public safety officers across Indiana can retire with the financial security they’ve earned after decades of service.

Proud to Champion Hoosier Heroes:
For more than 35 years, the Hoosier Lottery has championed play, and its power to do more, for players, communities and the state of Indiana. Hoosier Lottery distributions have benefited every county throughout Indiana. The Hoosier Lottery has contributed $8.1 billion to good causes, including $30 million to local police and firefighters’ pensions and $30 million to the Teachers’ Retirement Fund annually. To learn more about the Hoosier Lottery, visit HoosierLottery.com/GivingBack and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X.