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Incident
Lieutenant Thomas suffered a fatal heart attack after striking his chest while attempting to free his patrol car, which had become stuck in snow. He struck his chest on the trunk of the car after slipping on snow while attempting to push the vehicle free. He became ill and collapsed a short time later.
Lieutenant Thomas had served with the agency for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Lieutenant Thomas gave the Gates Mills Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gates Mills community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Earl is the only officer of Gates Mills Police Department remembered here.
Earl is one of 43 officers lost to cardiac events in OH, 4.3% of the 993 remembered there.
Earl is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Earl is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 1 officer in OH was lost to cardiac events, the 9th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1996, with 3.
In 1951, 8 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 72nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1951, 8 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 72nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Earl was 55. Of the 43 lost to cardiac events in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 45.5 and 52.5; the middle age was 49. Earl had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 19 years.
Earl was 55. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Earl had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Earl was 55. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Earl had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
December holds 16.3% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 11.6%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Gates Mills Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.3% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
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