Patrolman Thomas E. Torpy

Thomas E. Torpy

Officer Thomas Torpy was fatally wounded during an arrest at 4733 St. Lawrence Avenue.

Officer Torpy was the nearest the door when the first offender appeared. He opened the door, saw the policemen had him covered with their guns and slammed it shut. Officer Torpy yanked it open and was shot twice. He continued to fire and started down the stairs after the gunman. He was shot twice more, the last bullet piercing his head. As Officer Torpy fell, mortally wounded, his partner pursued the his killer.

The gunman was wounded by Officer Torpy's partner. While en route to the hospital, the suspect attempted to seize the officer's revolver and was fatally shot.

Officer Torpy was a 12 year veteran of the department. He is survived by his wife, son, and stepdaughter.