Incident
Patrolman Thomas Kennedy and Patrolman Michael Reedy were stuck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at an accident scene on Route 303 near the intersection with Leber Road. The officers and other emergency personnel were at the scene of a serious crash on State Rt. 303 in the Hamlet of Blauvelt. The accident scene was closed off and well lit by flares and emergency lights of emergency vehicles. A drunk driver coming north at a high rate of speed passed the flares, drove over the fire hoses and struck both officers, who were standing together in the roadway. His speed was estimated to be 80 mph. The 24-year-old subject was convicted of two counts of criminally negligent homicide and DWI and sentenced to two four year terms to be served concurrently. He was paroled in 1977. Patrolman Kennedy had served with the Orangetown Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-CE3E5D15- 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 Kennedy served with the Orangetown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Orangeburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas J. Kennedy 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Orangetown Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas J. Kennedy's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas J. Kennedy Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1977
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Kennedy is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas J. Kennedy was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Orangetown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
