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Thomas F. Sewell
Incident
Sergeant Thomas Sewell was stabbed to death while investigating a prowler who was trespassing in a garage at the 69th Street Terminal Complex in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. Sergeant Sewell had responded to the call at approximately 4:30 am and was searching the subject when the man suddenly turned around and started stabbing him in the head with a 12-inch kitchen knife. Sergeant Sewell was able to shoot the suspect twice during the attack, killing him. Sergeant Sewell had served with the SEPTA Transit Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Sergeant Sewell gave the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Sewell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1989, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1989, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1989, 108 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 31. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Thomas was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw.