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Incident
Constable Thomas Pugh was shot and killed while escorting a prisoner to jail in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
He had just served a warrant on the man for pointing a revolver at a woman in her home. Constable Pugh located the subject at his home at 206 West Fourteenth Avenue and arrested him. As they walked through the intersection of Eighth Avenue and Amity Street, while en route to the Justice of the Peace, the man pulled out a revolver and shot Constable Pugh in the chest. The man attempted to flee but was arrested several minutes later. Constable Pugh was taken to Homestead Hospital where he died a short time later.
The suspect, 33, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was paroled in 1931.
Constable Pugh was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Constable Pugh was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Pugh gave the Pennsylvania State Constable 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Pugh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County has lost 11 officers; 10 of them killed feloniously.
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 1916, 2 officers at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 49. Of the 10 killed feloniously at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 48.8; the middle age was 40.5. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 1 years.
Thomas was 49. 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 49. 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 49. 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
June holds 10% of these deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County; July holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 20%.
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Thursdays: 13.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90.9% of all 11 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 3% 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County has 11 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
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Henry Hess Jul 26, 1874
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Samuel Norman Jul 27, 1877
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William Shields Oct 16, 1903
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Thomas J. O'Sullivan
Jul 12, 1907
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Martin F. Windt
Dec 29, 1913
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Thomas Pugh Jun 15, 1916
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Peter B. Hoarty Jul 13, 1916
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John Mancos Jul 22, 1925
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Walter H. Gant Sep 16, 1925
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Martin Pluter
Apr 16, 1934
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Andrew Joseph Conroy Jan 21, 1938
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Allegheny County are honored on badge.nw.
