New Jersey State Police, New Jersey
End of Watch Thursday, September 19, 1968
Add to My HeroesThomas William Kavula
Trooper Kavula was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while directing traffic at an accident scene outside of Toll #13 in Elizabeth. He was struck by the trailer or a tractor trailer as it made a turn.
Another truck driver who witnessed the accident jumped into Trooper Kavula's patrol car and stopped the suspect a short distance away. The 43-year-old man was found to be under the influence of drugs at the time. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, death by vehicle, and several other traffic charges.
Trooper Kavula had served with the agency for five years. He was survived by his wife and young daughter.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 1809
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Narcotics involved
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRest in peace Trooper Kavula.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
June 29, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Timothy Corlew
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 8, 2025
Lieutenant Mark Meadows
Irondale Police Department, AL
EOW: January 6, 2025
Senior Investigator John L. Carey
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2024
Correction Officer Andrew Lansing
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, OH
EOW: December 25, 2024
Trooper Clay M. Carns
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: December 23, 2024
Police Officer Michael Horan
Greensboro Police Department, NC
EOW: December 23, 2024