Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Thursday, June 28, 2001
Add to My HeroesTommy F. Bernal
Captain Tommy Bernal was killed when his motorcycle was struck head-on by a vehicle while he was conducting a training exercise with several agencies near Front Royal, Virginia.
He was riding on Route 649, a winding and hilly country road, with members of Fairfax County and Arlington County motor squads. The unit in front of him lost control on a curve and swerved into an oncoming lane. A vehicle in that lane swerved into Captain Bernal's lane to avoid colliding with the unit and collided with Captain Bernal as he crested a hill.
Captain Bernal had served with the Fairfax County Police Department for 29 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 29 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Motorcycle crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 69 ReflectionsTom. I think about you often. It has hit me hard over the last few years. I never really let myself grieve over what had happened that day. 2 years ago I was involved in another on duty incident which did not bother me but the day of your crash really came back and hit me hard. I got the help I needed and can deal with things a little better now. I truly enjoyed working for you from me being a prehire at the academy until having you on the board when I put in for motors. I will always remember us talking in the OSB parking lot about the boys and us wanting to do a trip to the Harley factory in Pa. Miss ya Tom.
Retired MPO CJ Wolfert
Fairfax County Police
June 27, 2023
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