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Incident
Corporal Thomas Bowles died as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage, which he suffered after being assaulted four days earlier.
He was attempting to arrest a man for DUI when the man resisted and struck Corporal Bowles in the head. Despite his injuries, Corporal Bowles was able to place the man under arrest and started driving to the jail.
During the drive, Corporal Bowles began experiencing chest and head pains. He radioed for medical assistance and backup. He was transported to a local hospital, where he lapsed into a coma. Corporal Bowles remained in a coma until his death four days later.
Corporal Bowles had served with the Athens Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Corporal Bowles gave the Athens Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Athens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Bowles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Athens Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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 1985, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 46. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 46. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 46. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Athens Police Department. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Athens Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Athens Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
