Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Richardson died three days after being shot while escorting two young male suspects to the police station for questioning. The suspects had driven to Aurora after stealing a car in Bloomington, Illinois. After getting a flat tire, they abandoned that car and stole another car. When the vehicle's owner spotted the car, Patrolman Richardson was sent to investigate. The car was located near the post office where Patrolman Richardson waited for the suspects and upon their return, he confronted them. As he walked the suspects to the police station and despite searching them, one of them pulled a .25-caliber pistol from his coat pocket and shot Patrolman Richardson in the abdomen, causing him to let go of both suspects. Seriously wounded, Patrolman Richardson fires twice, hitting one of the suspects and drags him into the station before collapsing. The other suspect escaped on foot but was arrested at his Bloomington home three days later. The 17-year-old shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1948 his sentence was reduced to 60 years. Patrolman Richardson had served with the Aurora Police Department for 5½ years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-498D9012- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thompson. 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.
Patrolman Richardson gave the Aurora Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Aurora community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Richardson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thompson "Thomas" Richardson 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 97,756 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 Aurora Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thompson "Thomas" Richardson's cause is highlighted.
How Thompson "Thomas" Richardson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thompson "Thomas" Richardson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thompson "Thomas" Richardson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Aurora Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
