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Incident
Officer Thomas Roach was shot and killed while making an arrest.
He and another officer had arrested two drunk men for fighting at a bar. The men offered no resistance until they arrived at the police department. One of the men produced a revolver and shot Officer Roach.
The suspect was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Roach had served with the Newark Police Department for two years.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
140 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Officer Roach gave the Newark Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Newark Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 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 1886, 1 officer in OH was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1886, 51 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1886, 58 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 135th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 27. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas was 27. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 27. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Newark Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Newark Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Newark Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
