Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Thomas Adubato was shot and killed at an apartment complex at 336 East 38th Street in Manhattan in New York City while attempting to arrest a murder suspect wanted in Newark. A New York City officer who was with Detective Adubato was also shot and wounded. Despite the wounds Detective Adubato received, he picked up the other wounded officer and carried him down five flights of stairs to safety. Detective Adubato was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was never charged in connection with Detective Adubato's death but was convicted of the original murder and executed. Detective Adubato had served with the Newark Police Division for 19 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-C0AE7FBF- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Adubato gave the Newark Police Division 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Adubato.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Thomas S. Adubato 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Newark Police Division, 28 of 58 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas S. Adubato's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas S. Adubato Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas S. Adubato is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas S. Adubato was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
57 officers from Newark Police Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
