Patrolman Thomas Rowry, Jr., Union Point Police Department, Georgia

Patrolman Thomas Rowry, Jr.

Union Point Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, May 16, 1979

Thomas Rowry, Jr.

Patrolman Thomas Rowry was shot and killed by a drunk driving suspect inside the Union Point City Hall.

The man overpowered another officer who was locking him up and gained control of his weapon. The subject then shot both officers, killing Patrolman Rowry. The man then stole a patrol car that was parked in front of city hall during his escape.

The man was arrested and sentenced to death for the murder. However, he received a second trial where he was found not guilty of murder but guilty of vehicle theft for stealing the patrol car.

Patrolman Rowry was survived by his wife and small child.

Bio

Age 27
Tour Not available
Badge M-732-A

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Acquitted at second trial

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

Like others who have posted here, I was an academy classmate of Thomas Rowry and, like others, it was my first, but not last, police funeral. He was murdered just months after graduating the police academy.
There were only 15 of us in that class, and 40 years ago this week we started the career that would bring about his death, but save so many lives.
He was a good man.....I miss him 40 years later.

Sheriff Scott Berry
Academy classmate/Friend

August 16, 2018