Sergeant Thomas P. Kearney

Sergeant Thomas P. Kearney

Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut

End of Watch Tuesday, October 1, 1935

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Thomas P. Kearney

Sergeant Kearney died of a gunshot wound he sustained when he and his partner, Patrolman Wilford Walker, were shot while investigating the burglary of a radio store.

Thee officers were assigned to radio patrol duty in a patrol car in downtown Bridgeport when, at approximately 0020 hours, they received a report of a burglary at a radio store. Not far from the scene of the burglary, Sergeant Kearney and Patrolman Walker located a man walking with a radio in his hand. When the officers exited their vehicle to question the suspect, the suspect turned with a revolver in his hand and fired two shots, striking both officers.

Backup officers arrived and pursued the suspect, but he escaped. The suspect was later apprehended and charged with murder . He was tried, convicted and executed on April 12, 1938, at the Wetherfield State Prison.

Patrolman Walker died from his wound. Sergeant Kearney was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital where he died two days later from his wounds.

Sergeant Kearney had served with the Bridgeport Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 22 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Sunday, September 29, 1935
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 1938

Most Recent Reflection

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This week marks the 85th anniversary of the shooting that took your life and that of your partner. I am your oldest great-grandchild, Terry George, grandson of your son Tom. Though I met her as a baby, I do not remember my great grandmother. I do, however, remember well my Grandpa Tom and your daughter Ruth. They both felt your loss deeply their entire lives. Even after 50 years, Ruth refused to speak with reporters that wanted to ask her about that terrible crime. In spite of that trauma, they went on to raise their families well. Your grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren are teachers, engineers, social workers, diplomats and businesspeople. They are good parents and good people. They have traveled and lived all over the world, from Bridgeport to California and Afghanistan to Uganda. Your killer may have taken your life, but he could not take your legacy.

Terry George
Great-Grandson

October 5, 2020

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