Bethel Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch Sunday, November 19, 1972
Add to My HeroesThomas Clifford Dillon
Chief of Police Thomas Dillon was shot and killed after responding to a holdup at a local cab company in downtown Bethel.
When he arrived on the scene, he exchanged shots with the suspect, who was armed with a shotgun. Chief Dillon was struck in the chest and fatally wounded. He was able to wound the suspect, who was later apprehended by other officers.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. On November 4th, 1977, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the prosecution had withheld evidence from the defense and overturned the conviction. In the second trial, he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years. He was paroled on January 12th, 1978.
Chief Dillon had served with the Bethel Police Department for 2-1/2 years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Paroled in 1978
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsTom was a wonderful person and excellent police officer. His death was a tragedy for Bethel but also for his wife, Liz and his son Matt. The Spein family was proud of Tm and devastated by his death.
Susan Witters Jaros
Friend
March 12, 2025
