Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Torpy was fatally wounded as he and several other officers attempted to make an arrest at 4733 S. St. Lawrence Avenue. The two subjects inside were wanted for over 40 robberies and two murders. He was nearest the door when the first offender appeared. He opened the door, saw the policemen had him covered with their guns, and slammed it shut. Patrolman Torpy yanked it open and was shot twice. He continued to fire and started down the stairs after the gunman. He was shot two more times, the last bullet piercing his head. As he fell, mortally wounded, his partner pursued the subject The gunman was wounded by Patrolman Torpy's partner. While en route to the hospital, the man attempted to seize the officer's revolver and was fatally shot. Patrolman Torpy had served with the Chicago Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and stepdaughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-BE7FF334- 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 Torpy gave the Chicago Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Torpy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas E. Torpy 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 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 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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 E. Torpy's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas E. Torpy Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas E. Torpy is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas E. Torpy was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
