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Incident
Patrolman Thomas Richardson died three days after being shot while escorting two young male suspects to the police station for questioning. The suspects had driven to Aurora after stealing a car in Bloomington, Illinois. After getting a flat tire, they abandoned that car and stole another car. When the vehicle's owner spotted the car, Patrolman Richardson was sent to investigate. The car was located near the post office where Patrolman Richardson waited for the suspects and upon their return, he confronted them. As he walked the suspects to the police station and despite searching them, one of them pulled a .25-caliber pistol from his coat pocket and shot Patrolman Richardson in the abdomen, causing him to let go of both suspects. Seriously wounded, Patrolman Richardson fires twice, hitting one of the suspects and drags him into the station before collapsing. The other suspect escaped on foot but was arrested at his Bloomington home three days later. The 17-year-old shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1948 his sentence was reduced to 60 years. Patrolman Richardson had served with the Aurora Police Department for 5½ years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
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.
Patrolman Richardson gave the Aurora Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Aurora community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Richardson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Aurora Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Thompson is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Thompson is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thompson is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 17 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thompson was 38. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Thompson had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thompson was 38. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thompson had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thompson was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thompson had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Aurora Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Aurora Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Thompson among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Aurora Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
