Kissimmee Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, July 18, 1983
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 130
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 18, 1983
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Thomas Bartholomew was shot and killed after he and other officers responded to a domestic disturbance involving an armed man at 510 N Dillingham Avenue.
The suspect had taken his wife hostage and had threatened to kill her. Several times during the standoff the man came out onto the front porch with his wife and gun. Patrolman Bartholomew was able to work his way near the front door and the next time the man came out of the house he grabbed the wife's arm in a rescue attempt. The suspect shot Patrolman Bartholomew in the head before other officers returned fire, killing the man.
Patrolman Bartholomew had served with the Kissimmee Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.