Special Agent Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Great Northern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

Special Agent Thomas J. Fitzgerald

Great Northern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Monday, October 3, 1921

Thomas J. Fitzgerald

Special Agent Thomas Fitzgerald was shot and killed in St. Paul, Minnesota, while conducting an investigation the Great Northern Railway yards on Jackson Street.

He was attempting to interview an employee in the sandhouse when the man suddenly produced a handgun and grabbed Special Agent Fitzgerald. Unbeknownst to Special Agent Fitzgerald, the subject was wanted in several other states for various crimes, including shooting at a county sheriff. The subject shot Special Agent Fitzgerald four times when he attempted to break free.

The man fled the state the following day. He was later arrested in Kansas and sentenced to 10 years in prison from burglary. While in prison he admitted to Special Agent Fitzgerald's murder. Upon his release in 1931 he was returned to Minnesota where he plead guilty to murder and was sentenced to life at hard labor.

Special Agent Fitzgerald had served with the Great Northern Railway Police for 26 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 26 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Minnesota
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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Special Agent Fitzgerald, you gave your life while helping to protect one of America's greatest assets, it's Railroads and I thank you.

I find it a bit gratifying to know that your murderer did the right thing, though sadly it would have been better had he not done such a wrong thing in the first place, he at least seemed to attempt to make up for his crime. Maybe he did have a conscience.

On this 94th anniversary of your death, I wish you peace in your eternal rest and may God Bless you, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 3, 2015