Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Norton was shot and killed while attempting to arrest another officer for extortion.
He had responded to the back of a store at 44 Delancey Street after it was reported a man was attempting to extort another man. While attempting to remove the officer, he was shot in the neck.
His assailant was sentenced to four years for his conviction of manslaughter in the third degree.
Patrolman Norton had served with the New York Municipal Police Department for two years and was assigned to the 10th Precinct, the present-day 5th Precinct.
Our Dear Thomas J Norton - Always remembered... though many generations have passed... Uncle Tom's legacy lives on.
Thomas J Norton was a patrolman with the 10th precint, NYC police. He was shot and killed in the line of duty by a rogue cop 140 years ago on Delancy St, New York City.
Thomas J Norton was the son of Irish immigrants who settled in Stevensville, Sullivan County, NY. He was well liked and popular with his friends. In December 1879 he joined the New York police force. His murder took a huge toll on the Norton family and created a huge void in their lives. The love they had for their dear Tom has transcended through generations. A large portrait of him has been passed down those generations along with his story so that we will never forget this man who gave his all.
Geri E Neumann Grand Niece December 18th, 2023
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-97371CA6- 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
145 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Norton gave the New York Municipal Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas J. Norton 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 New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% 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
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 4 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Norton is highlighted in Dec.
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
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
