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Incident
Chief of Police Thomas Lynch was killed in an automobile crash while attempting to stop a speeding vehicle.
He the patrol car he was riding in was struck head-on by another vehicle near the intersection of Brockton Avenue and Bedford Street. The officer he was with suffered serious injuries but survived.
The other vehicle was driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
Chief Lynch had served with the Abington Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Lynch gave the Abington Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Abington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Lynch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Thomas is the only officer of Abington Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 2 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1942, 65 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 65th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1942, 82 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 52nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Thomas was 58. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 58. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 58. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 10.8% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Sundays: 14.6%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Abington Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 33.7% of all 469 deaths in MA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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