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
Corporal Brandon Schreiber
Newton County Sheriff's Department, IN
EOW: September 11, 2024
Police Officer Jaime Roman
Philadelphia Police Department, PA
EOW: September 10, 2024
Police Officer Zane Coolidge
Phoenix Police Department, AZ
EOW: September 6, 2024
Patrolman James Crowley
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: August 22, 2024
Officer Phylicia Carson
Osage Beach Police Department, MO
EOW: August 31, 2024
Police Officer Darron Lee Burks
Dallas Police Department, TX
EOW: August 29, 2024
Investigator Wayne David
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: August 28, 2024
Police Officer Austin Machitar
San Diego Police Department, CA
EOW: August 26, 2024
Investigator Taylor Jaimeson Bristow
Carroll County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 23, 2024