Roll of Honor
Incident
Inspector Thomas Norton was shot and killed when he and four other officers attempted to arrest a triple murder suspect, who was wanted in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The incident occurred in a crowded restaurant located at the intersection of Boylston Street and Washington Street in Boston. The other officers returned fire, striking the suspect three times. The man continued to flee but was arrested outside of the restaurant by a mounted patrolman. A month later, the suspect killed himself inside his jail cell by cutting his throat with a steel shoe shank. Inspector Norton had served with the Boston Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-24073479- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Norton gave the Boston Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roxbury Crossing community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Norton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Inspector Thomas J. Norton 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 MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 42.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Boston Police Department, 45 of 106 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas J. Norton's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas J. Norton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Norton is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas J. Norton was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
105 officers from Boston Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
