Abington Township Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, June 29, 1949
Add to My HeroesThomas J. Mathews
Police Officer Thomas Mathews was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious truck near Rydal he and his partner had seen leaving a large estate of a prominent citizen.
The driver of the truck fled with Officer Mathews in pursuit. His partner heard several gunshots moments later. Officer Mathews' body was located near a hedge approximately one hour later.
Investigation revealed that the subject had just committed a burglary at the estate. The man was apprehended in Lynchburg, Virginia, returned to Pennsylvania, and sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed on May 18, 1953.
Officer Mathews was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Abington Township Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and son.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 1953
Most Recent Reflection
View all 39 ReflectionsDad,
On this 75th anniversary of your murder, your family still misses you. Four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a great grandson that never had the opportunity to meet you and being only two years old at the time, I have no memory of you. We know that some day we will meet you when we move on to our next life.
No greater love hath no man than to lay down their life for another.
Michael, Donna and your family
Son
Son
June 29, 2024
