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Incident
Officer Shea succumbed to injuries sustained six years earlier while pursuing a vehicle on Route 135. As he approached Pond Road another vehicle made a turn in front of him, causing him to collide with the vehicle. He was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital after the collision. He succumbed to his injuries after six years of surgeries and rehabilitation efforts. Officer Shea had served with the agency for 8 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one child.
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 Shea gave the Wellesley Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wellesley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Shea.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Wellesley Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Thomas is one of 158 officers lost to accidents in MA, 33.7% of the 469 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1940, 6 officers in MA were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 86 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1940, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1940, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Thomas was 33. Of the 154 lost to accidents in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 39. Thomas had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Thomas was 33. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 33. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Thomas had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in MA; August holds the most, 12.7%. Thursdays: 13.9%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Wellesley Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 33.7% of all 469 deaths in MA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Wellesley Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wellesley Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
