Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Kelma was shot and mortally wounded while attempting to arrest four armed robbers at 2033 S. Ashland Avenue. He was off duty when he observed the four men enter a lounge. A struggle ensued as he attempted to intervene in the robbery. One of the men fatally shot Patrolman Kelma and then fled. All four suspects were arrested and charged with Patrolman Kelma's murder. On July 26th, 1935, one of the suspects was sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 1950. Another was sentenced to 199 years. He escaped from prison with six others in 1942. A guard was seriously wounded when he was shot and fell from the watchtower. All seven were captured in Chicago two months later. He was denied parole in 1960. Another was sentenced to 14 years. The subject who shot Patrolman Kelma hanged himself in his jail cell just before he was to be sentenced. Patrolman Kelma had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-7B4C4030- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Kelma gave the Chicago Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kelma.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas Kelma is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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 Kelma's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Kelma Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Kelma is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Kelma was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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