Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas J. Adams was shot and killed while intervening in a domestic dispute and shooting while off duty. Patrolman Adams observed the argument, heard gunfire, and ran onto the porch at 3339 West Douglas Boulevard. One of the assailants involved pulled out a revolver and fatally shot him. The suspect eventually turned himself in. Patrolman Adams was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and served with the Chicago Police Department for six months. He was survived by his wife, two children, and his parents. He is buried in the Washington Memorial Cemetary in Homewood, Illinois.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, and his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-A76F7903- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Adams served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Thomas J. Adams, Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Thomas J. Adams, Jr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas J. Adams, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Thomas J. Adams, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Adams, Jr. is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas J. Adams, Jr. was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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