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Incident
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.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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Tributes
22 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Kearney gave the Bridgeport Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Bridgeport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Kearney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bridgeport Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1935, 4 officers in CT were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 49. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39. Thomas had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
Thomas was 49. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Tuesdays: 9.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Bridgeport Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Bridgeport Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bridgeport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
