Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Thomas Dowling was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a juvenile in a pawnshop on the northeast corner of Fifth Street and Vine Street. Officer Dowling had entered the pawn shop to speak to the owner about a recent police notice enumerating certain stolen articles for pawnbrokers to keep a lookout. As Officer Dowling entered the business the owner just finished making a phone call to the police station about a juvenile who was attempting to sell him diamonds that he was suspicious of being stolen. As Officer Dowling approached the juvenile after being notified by the owner of his suspicions of the stolen diamonds he was shot. The suspect fled the scene after the shooting but was eventually arrested after a short chase involving an officer and several citizens. The 18-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years. On August 20th, 1912, he escaped from Eastern Penitentiary. Five weeks later during a sensational gun battle with police in Wilmington, Delaware, he shot and killed himself. Officer Dowling served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 11 months.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-067B4235- 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.
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.
Police Officer Dowling served with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Dowling.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Thomas Dowling 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Dowling's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Dowling Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Dowling is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Dowling was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
377 officers from Philadelphia Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
