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Incident
Police Officer Thomas Toohey suffered a fatal heart attack while supporting detectives conducting a reverse sting narcotics operation at about 2:45 pm. He had ridden a police bike to a parking lot at the corner of Webster Street and New Britain Avenue where he suddenly collapsed. He was immediately taken to Hartford Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officer Toohey had served with the Hartford Police Department for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Toohey gave the Hartford Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hartford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Toohey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Hartford Police Department has lost 8 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Thomas is one of 14 officers lost to cardiac events in CT, 8.3% of the 169 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 1 officer in CT was lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 13 years on record. The heaviest was 1964, with 2.
In 1996, 17 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 21st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1996, 17 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 21st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Thomas was 42. Of the 14 lost to cardiac events in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 42.8 and 55.5; the middle age was 49.5. Thomas had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
Thomas was 42. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Thomas had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Thomas was 42. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Thomas had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
May holds 21.4% of these deaths in CT; November holds the most, 21.4%. Wednesdays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 12.5% of all 8 deaths at Hartford Police Department, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 8.3% of all 169 deaths in CT, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Hartford Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Hartford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
