Police Officer Sidney L. Thompson
New York City Transit Police Department
New York

End of Watch: Tuesday, June 5, 1973
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 3801

Officer Thompson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fare evader at IRT Station 2 in the Bronx. While attempting to arrest a suspect, the suspect's companion shot him. Despite being wounded, Officer Thompson was able to return fire and wound the suspect he had originally stopped. He was assigned to Transit District 12. Both suspects were members of the Black Liberation Army and were apprehended several days later.

Officer Thompson had been a member of the New York City Transit Police Department for six years and was survived by his wife, son, and daughter

The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers around the country. They were also responsible for violent attacks around the country that left many police officers wounded.

 
Photograph: Police Officer Sidney L. Thompson

Patch image: New York City Transit Police Department, New York

Visit Police Officer Thompson's memorial at www.ODMP.org