Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Elder was injured while on patrol on Route 119, near the Scottdale Road, Connellsville, Fayette County. Patrolman Elder was struck by a drunk driver. He was thrown from his motorcycle, and suffered serious injuries. He was taken to the Hospital and died of his injuries and complications on March 22, 1931, over a year after the incident.
Survivors
Patrolman Elder had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-6F86E508- 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.
Patrolman Elder gave the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Pennsylvania. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Elder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas Barnett Elder 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol, 8 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Barnett Elder's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Barnett Elder Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Barnett Elder is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Barnett Elder was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
