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Incident
Patrolman Thomas Reedy was shot and killed by one of two brothers he encountered while checking the Hicks and Vogel's Saloon on Broadway, near the approach to the Eads Bridge.
Patrolman Reedy had arrested the brothers several times. One of the brothers began arguing with him over an earlier arrest and then approached him in a threatening manner. As Patrolman Reedy raised his nightstick in defense, the other brother shot Patrolman Reedy, killing him instantly. Both brothers fled but were later captured.
The suspect was later committed to an insane asylum due to suicide attempts.
Patrolman Reedy had served with the East St. Louis Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
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 Reedy gave the East St. Louis Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Reedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East St. Louis Police Department has lost 22 officers; 18 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 1 officer at East St. Louis Police Department was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 13 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 3.
In 1903, 10 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 11.1% of these deaths at East St. Louis Police Department; February holds the most, 16.7%. Tuesdays: 22.2%.
May holds 7.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.8% of all 22 deaths at East St. Louis Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
East St. Louis Police Department has 22 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
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Thomas Reedy May 5, 1903
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Patrick Gill
Sep 6, 1908
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James J. Arnold
Feb 11, 1913
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Marion League
Feb 27, 1916
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James P. Madden Aug 5, 1916
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Henderson D. Trafton
Nov 18, 1916
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Samuel H. Coppedge Jul 1, 1917
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Franklin J. Wodley
Jul 3, 1917
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Robert Roy Aldridge Jan 11, 1919
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James O'Brien
Apr 1, 1919
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Perry V. Frost Nov 14, 1920
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Joseph B. Friesz Feb 24, 1924
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Henry Bodendieck Apr 5, 1924
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David A. Moehler
Apr 18, 1925
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Clare A. Fletcher
Jun 16, 1940
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Earl V. Anderson Mar 25, 1951
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Norvell Ray
Jan 25, 1958
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Charles E. Lewis
Mar 16, 1962
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Fredrick D. Hudson
Jul 29, 1966
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Kenneth Joseph McCoy
Jun 7, 1973
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Manuel Farmer, III
May 25, 1975
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Robert B. Broshears
Jun 23, 1977
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from East St. Louis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
