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Incident
Patrolman Thomas Kennedy and Patrolman Michael Reedy were stuck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at an accident scene on Route 303 near the intersection with Leber Road. The officers and other emergency personnel were at the scene of a serious crash on State Rt. 303 in the Hamlet of Blauvelt. The accident scene was closed off and well lit by flares and emergency lights of emergency vehicles. A drunk driver coming north at a high rate of speed passed the flares, drove over the fire hoses and struck both officers, who were standing together in the roadway. His speed was estimated to be 80 mph. The 24-year-old subject was convicted of two counts of criminally negligent homicide and DWI and sentenced to two four year terms to be served concurrently. He was paroled in 1977. Patrolman Kennedy had served with the Orangetown Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kennedy served with the Orangetown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Orangeburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Orangetown Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 11 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1973, 171 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1973, 188 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 26. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Thomas had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Orangetown Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Orangetown Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Orangetown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
