Roll of Honor
Thomas J. Mathews
Incident
Police Officer Thomas Mathews was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious truck near Rydal he and his partner had seen leaving a large estate of a prominent citizen. The driver of the truck fled with Officer Mathews in pursuit. His partner heard several gunshots moments later. Officer Mathews' body was located near a hedge approximately one hour later. Investigation revealed that the subject had just committed a burglary at the estate. The man was apprehended in Lynchburg, Virginia, returned to Pennsylvania, and sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed on May 18, 1953. Officer Mathews was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Abington Township Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-FF2FEB7F- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Mathews gave the Abington Township Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Abington community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Thomas J. Mathews served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Police Officer Thomas J. Mathews 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 Abington Township Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas J. Mathews's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas J. Mathews Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1953
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas J. Mathews is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas J. Mathews was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Abington Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
