Prev
Incident
Police Officer Tom Decker was shot and killed as he and his partner performed a welfare check on a man whose family believed he was suicidal.
Officers had attempted to make contact with the subject at his apartment but were not successful. They returned to the scene approximately two hours later. As Officer Decker exited his patrol car in an alley behind the apartment, he was ambushed and shot twice with a 20-gauge shotgun. He was fatally wounded despite wearing his vest.
The subject officers had initially attempted to contact was arrested and held in connection with Officer Decker's murder but was later released. One month later, a second suspect committed suicide as investigators attempted to question him during the follow-up investigation. The gun used to murder Officer Decker was found on the property the suspect had access.
Officer Decker had served with the Cold Spring Police Department for six years and previously served with the Isle Police Department and Kimbal Police Department for an additional four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnsfzwzd7kt44s0ch7nf- 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.
Police Officer Decker gave the Cold Spring Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cold Spring community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Decker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomas is the only officer of Cold Spring Police Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2012, 1 officer in MN was killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 2012, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2012, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 31. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Thomas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 8 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 10 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.4% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Cold Spring Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 20 gauge, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 20 gauge, in 0.6% 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 shotgun; 20 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 20 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Cold Spring Police Department are honored on badge.nw.