United States of America
Headstone of Thomas J. Smith
U.S. Army · United States United States

Thomas J. Smith

Died March 9, 1993

Thomas J. Smith served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Patrolman Thomas Smith died as a result of complications from gunshot wounds sustained 25 years earlier during the Glenville Riots.

Patrolman Smith was attempting to rescue three other officers who had been shot. He had pulled two to safety and was trying to rescue the third when he was shot in the spine.

He remained in the hospital for 22 months and remained paralyzed after being released. He continued working for the department in a reduced capacity until retiring in 1987. He was re-admitted to the hospital on February 2, 1993, and died as a result of the complications one month later.

Patrolman Smith was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 5 years when he was shot.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
Media
Thomas J. Smith
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Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Cleveland Division of Police
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 6-W · Line 24 cut as THOMAS J SMITH
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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.

Patrolman Smith gave the Cleveland Division of Police 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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