Prev
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Gainard was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty. Patrolman Gainard had served with the agency for 31 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpeqrz8m5rqpjh36h67e- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
31 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Gainard gave the Chelsea Police Department 31 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chelsea community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gainard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Chelsea Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Thomas is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 8,274 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 10,099 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 5 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1930, 113 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1930, 131 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
Who
Thomas was 63. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. Thomas had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 63. Of the 7,715 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 63. Of the 9,448 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Mondays: 9.5%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Chelsea Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 33.7% of all 469 deaths in MA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Chelsea Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chelsea Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
