Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Sunday, April 29, 1990
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: 1917
Cause of Death: Exposure to toxins
Date of Incident: October 4, 1988
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Lieutenant Thomas Leis died from complications related to carbon monoxide poisoning received on October 4th, 1988, at the Port of Miami.
He suffered the poisoning while assisting with the rescue of several crewmembers from the hold of a ship. Two crewmembers died, and several others became seriously ill. Seven firefighters and one other police officer were also overcome by the fumes but recovered after receiving treatment.
Lieutenant Leis received recognition for his bravery in his efforts to save the crewmembers during the incident.
Lieutenant Leis had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and five daughters.