Belle Vernon Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Thursday, May 16, 1907
Add to My HeroesThomas L. Guess
Chief Thomas Guess was shot and killed by the former police chief, who had been arrested for public drunkenness. A citizen had helped subdue the suspect, who was taken to a cell at the city police department.
As Chief Guess attempted to search the prisoner the man produced a revolver that had been hidden in his sleeve, and shot him once in the head, killing him.
The man then ran from the scene but was captured after he was shot through his shoulder by a citizen. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death on June 26, 1907. His sentence was commuted to life January 20, 1909. He was paroled on September 23, 1921.
Chief Guess had served as police chief for only seven months. He was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried in Fairchance Cemetery, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 7 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Pistol
- Offender Paroled in 1921
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that no passage of time can ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
May 16, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022