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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Farrell suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting another deputy free a vehicle that had overturned in the surf on the beach in Tierra Del Mar. The vehicle was located in a section of beach that required a four wheel drive vehicle to access.
The deputy who was responding to the accident obtained a ride to the scene from a citizen and requested Deputy Farrell meet him at the scene with his four wheel drive vehicle.
Deputy Farrell, who was off duty, responded to the scene in his pickup truck and assisted with removing the vehicle from the surf.
As the other deputy was en route to the hospital to interview the injured driver, a female voice broadcast a call for assistance over the C.B. radio, stating Deputy Farrell needed medical assistance. The other deputy immediately turned around and met Deputy Farrell, who was driving himself to the local fire department. The deputies met an ambulance while en route to the fire department. Deputy Farrell was transported to the Lincoln County Hospital where he died a short time later.
Deputy Farrell was a veteran of both the US Navy and US Air Force.
Survivors
He had served with the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office for 7 years and was survived by his wife, son, three daughters, three grandsons, parents, and six siblings.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Farrell gave the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tillamook community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Farrell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Thomas is the only officer of Tillamook County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Thomas is one of 11 officers lost to cardiac events in OR, 5.6% of the 197 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 1 officer in OR was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1987, 15 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 34th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1987, 15 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 34th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Thomas was 47. Of the 10 lost to cardiac events in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 54; the middle age was 49.5. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 24.5 years.
Thomas was 47. 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. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Thomas was 47. 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. Thomas had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in OR; December holds the most, 18.2%. Wednesdays: 27.3%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Tillamook County Sheriff's Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 5.6% of all 197 deaths in OR, the 3rd 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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