Prev
Incident
Park Guard Thomas Ryan was killed when his police motorcycle struck a tree while he was involved in a vehicle pursuit on Roosevelt Boulevard, near Murray Avenue. He was traveling approximately 70 mph when his motorcycle crashed into two trees. Guard Ryan had served with the Fairmount Park Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtna2cdym121vd90yh1p9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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.
Park Guard Ryan gave the Fairmount Park Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Guard Ryan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Fairmount Park Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them lost to accidents.
Thomas is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 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 1947, 1 officer at Fairmount Park Police Department was lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 2.
In 1947, 5 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1947, 53 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 88th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1947, 60 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 91st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Thomas was 34. Of the 4 lost to accidents at Fairmount Park Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32.8 and 41; the middle age was 36.5. Thomas had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Thomas was 34. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
Thomas was 34. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 34. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 20% of these deaths at Fairmount Park Police Department; January holds the most, 20%. Tuesdays: 40%.
April holds 7.2% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 14.4%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Fairmount Park Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Fairmount Park Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Fairmount Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
