Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Kavula was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while directing traffic at an accident scene outside of Toll #13 in Elizabeth. He was struck by the trailer or a tractor trailer as it made a turn. Another truck driver who witnessed the accident jumped into Trooper Kavula's patrol car and stopped the suspect a short distance away. The 43-year-old man was found to be under the influence of drugs at the time. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, death by vehicle, and several other traffic charges. Trooper Kavula had served with the agency for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and young daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-16C1DA3E- 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.
Trooper Kavula gave the New Jersey State Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of New Jersey. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Kavula.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Thomas William Kavula 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Jersey State Police, 14 of 84 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 16.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas William Kavula's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas William Kavula Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas William Kavula is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas William Kavula was killed by automobile; narcotics involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
83 officers from New Jersey State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
