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Incident
Chief Thornhill was killed when his police morotcycle collided with another vehicle while in pursuit of a traffic violator.
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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.
Chief Thornhill served with the Suffern Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Suffern community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Thornhill.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Suffern Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
William is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 7 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1933, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1933, 94 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 29th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
June holds 7.2% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Suffern Police Department. The weapon recorded was not available, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
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