Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Friends since birth, I still reminisce about our days growing up together in Elizabeth. All these years and it still seems like yesterday. Some people you never forget and you were one of them. That day has never left my mind...

Lieutenant Nick Norton, ret.
Westfield, NJ PD

May 2, 2023

I am lost for words, but your dedication to this job and service to this community certainly will never be forgotten. As a new recruit it pains me to read about officers like yourself whom have fallen in the line of duty. May you rest in peace and may God bless your family

Isaias Rodrigues
Springfield OEM

April 18, 2023

Tom is always had a smile on his face even when we were in academy getting beaten down. Rest in peace brother

Trooper one Johnny Baker Jr
Classmate

April 2, 2023

Happy New Year in Heaven Hometown Hero. So many beautiful people have left reflections and with sadness we Rremember your special service. A humble and ALERT angel

Antoinette DIGIACOMO

January 25, 2023

Trooper Hanratty,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of New Jersey. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 2, 2022

I'll never forget the day I got to work with you after all the times I would see you at Somerville Barracks. You were always smiling and constantly saying Yes Sir to me. My response was always, Stop calling me Sir, its Kenny. You still called me Sir. I finally got to work with you on April 2, 1992. You were working your normal afternoon shift and I was doing another Trooper a favor by working the power shift for him. It was just you and I, me working area 5&6 and you, area 7&8. I saw you, we joked around about the lottery and I told you I would treat for Dinner. I was assigned to go to Totowa HQ to drop off reports. I told you I would contact you as soon as I got back in the area. I was ready to finish looping my area and contact you, when I heard the radio silence break with someone yelling Officer down, Trooper Down. I responded immediately when I found out your location. My vehicle was travelling at 120-130 mph, but it wasn't fast enough. When I arrived, I Screamed and Cried and couldn't compose myself. Emergency personnel were on the scene and the Helicopter Landed to take you to the Hospital. That Day was the worst day I ever experienced. I got there and couldn't Help You. To this Day I relive that Horrible Day. I still suffer from PTSD. Rest in Peace My Brother, I will never forget You and Your Family.

Retired Trooper I K. Knies 4192
New Jersey State Police

February 25, 2022

We lived in Berkeley Heights at that time near this accident when it occurred our son was born on April 3rd, 1992, and we gave his middle name Thomas after this brave trooper, I am a retired Newark Police Lt, and our son is now also a police officer, our prayers will be forever with your family.

Lt Christopher Ferris
Newark PD

February 20, 2022

I’m saddened by the death of Thomas’s brother Timmy, a brother and family friend!
Elizabeth, NJ in our blood! EPD, NJSP forever!

Patrolman John A Collins Sr. Shield #223
Elizabeth PD

September 18, 2021

29 years next year we will get together with friends and family thinking about you all day today. Thanks for being a great brother.

Brother
Family

April 3, 2021

On this actual anniversary of your death I’d like to reiterate my previous reflection and say that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement family. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 2, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 21, 2020

I saw your stone today. I know it was you saying hi, then on the way back too! We miss you always Uncle Tom. I may have only been 5 when you passed but I’ve never forgotten you. Thank you for today! I love you.

Heather S
family

July 2, 2020

Been a long time, my friend, but it still seems like yesterday. You were salt of the Earth...

Lt. Nicholas Norton, retired
Westfield, NJ PD

April 25, 2020

Aug. 15, 2019 NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Little League champs named after fallen trooper. His family is cheering them on from N.J.

Thomas J. Hanratty, a New Jersey state trooper from Elizabeth, was killed in 1992 when he was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on Route 78. The Elmora Troopers, a little team from Elizabeth, honor him with team's name as they compete in Little League World Series. (courtesy)

After he came home from work, New Jersey state trooper Thomas J. Hanratty would pull his car over and play baseball and other sports with kids in his Elizabeth neighborhood.

That’s how much Hanratty, 24, loved the game - and them.

Years after he played little league in Elizabeth’s Elmora Youth League and junior varsity baseball at Elizabeth High School, “he showed them (kids) that he was a good leader and person who cared about others," said his brother, Terry Hanratty, varsity football coach for Roselle Park High School.

The Elmora Troopers – 13 All-Stars from the Elmora Youth League – haven’t forgotten Hanratty, who was killed in 1992 when he was hit by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on Route 78.

Troopers is the team name. That says it all. Not only does it keep his memory alive, a nationwide audience has learned about him, too, because the 12-year-old Elmora players have earned a spot in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

“We didn’t realize they were going to remember our brother in the way that they have," Terry Hanratty said. “We’re very honored they’re doing that."

Hanratty’s badge number – 4971 – is on their uniform and the home field where the team plays in Elizabeth is named after him. Even his picture has appeared on ESPN when the Troopers were on their way to winning the Mid-Atlantic region championship, 19-4, last Saturday in Bristol, Conn. It was the first time in 30 years that a little league team from an urban city in New Jersey made it to the regionals. The Roberto Clemente Little League of Jersey City did it in 1988.

The Elmora Troopers, who are New Jersey’s Little League champs, are now one of 16 teams - eight in the United States and eight internationally - who will compete in the double elimination World Series tournament that starts Thursday.

The Troopers’ first game is at 8 p.m. Friday against the Sprague All-Star team from Salem, OR.

Elizabeth fans will be tuned in. They haven’t missed a game at Suspenders Restaurant & Pub in Union.

“Standing room only," said owner Joseph Tona, who grew up with the Hanratty family and played in the Elmora League. “We’re packed wall to wall rooting for those boys."

They’re a close community. Three to four bus loads have gone to Bristol, Conn. Six of them will be headed to South Williamsport on Friday and they’ll have a New Jersey state police escort to the Pennsylvania line.

“We’re going to be leading the way to make sure they get their safely," said Reinaldo Cruz Jr., a state trooper who coaches the 9-year-old team in the Elmora Youth League.

“Just to see where we are, it’s amazing, to see how everything has come to fruition," Cruz said.

Terry Hanratty said he’s been following the team; his family donated money so they could travel to the Mid-Atlantic region tournament. Friends from the old neighborhood kicked in, too, to help out.

Who wouldn’t? They’re talented, posting a 5-1 record to get here. It helps to have some swagger, too, and the team has plenty of confidence while having fun on the field.

Terrance Hanratty said that swagger will cary them a long way in the tournament and their manager, Jairo Labrador, sets a great example for the kids on how to compete.

“It’s really nice that they’ve they gone this far,” he said. "They play for the right reason. They’re a tough group.''

Cheering for the team, though, is the same as paying homage to Hanratty, who comes from a long line of family members who were cops. His great-great grandfather, Thomas Brennan, was an Elizabeth police captain; his grandfather, Thomas Brennan was an Elizabeth police officer; his uncle, Joseph Brennan was Elizabeth police director; and his cousin, John Brennan is the current Elizabeth police chief.

Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, State Police honor Hanratty during the parade in Union. There’s a banner with his name with family, friends and troopers along the route.

The Troopers’ impressive run toward winning the World Series is another tribute to him.

“We’re just happy for the boys,’’ Terry Hanratty said. “This is something they will always remember. They’re superstars.’’

Retired Police Officer
New York Police Department

August 15, 2019

Legacy of a fallen Hero
Your spirit leaves among us and continues to serve diligently by directing, protecting and guiding your fellow citizens. I am leaving testimony of this for which i would like the world to know about. May you find comfort in the name of our Father (GOD). Trooper Thomas . Hanratty; REST IN PEACE
May the souls of all fallen heroes rest in peace especially those who lost their lives in the line of duty leaving behind their love ones.
Your legacies are memorable.

Alhassan Abubakar
National supporter of Justice Department/Advocate against gun violence.

Alhassan Issifu Abubakar
NSJD/AAGV

September 3, 2018

I took my two sons to your memorial today they had a lot of questions. We march in your honor every year and it’s nice to see everyone it never gets easy to do but it’s important to keep your memory going. Thinking of you everyday thanks for being a great brother.
Terry Hanratty

Brother
Brother

April 2, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

April 2, 2017

I saw this happen. It was horrifying and I still remember to this day. I hope his parents found peace and the officer has RIP'd.

David - a civilian

May 11, 2016

The West Windsor Police Department would like to extend their salute to one of NJ's finest #4971. You will never be forgotten and your inspiration continues to this very day. #Tears in Heaven

D. Jelinski
WWPD

April 1, 2014

God Bless his family and may he rest in peace. I pass his memorial every morning going to work and say a prayer for him and his family. Didn't know him but respect the fact that he chose a life of service and protection for others.

Dave

April 1, 2014

tommy was my friend since school, many time he was over our house for dinner when my mom cooked, i named my only son after him THOMAS J. ROMAO

AL ROMAO
FRIEND AND NIEGHBOR OF ELIZABETH NJ

March 18, 2014

Tommy - I can't believe how the years go by, it's been over 20 years. I passed another Trooper Memorial on the Parkway with my kids and they asked what it meant and why it was there. I told them it's the best way we know how to show everyone how special and how important the officer was to everyone he touched. Then I told them about you, growing up, neighborhood stuff, little league... and what had happened to you and one of the kids said, "they do that for heroes right dad"? I said, "exactly" and smiled.

Friend
Elizabeth, NJ

March 15, 2013

Tommy was on the shy side but his smile lit up a room. He lived around the corner from me and I knew his two brothers, Tim and Teri and his parents. I felt terrible when I heard the news and I seen the pain in all of their eyes. They are a very close and loving family and were well known in the community and I wish them the best.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Da Costa
Cleveland Ave Elizabeth,NJ

February 4, 2013

Tommy was the BEST of the BEST. I was close to his family...His dad "Taxi" was a great man....I saw the pain in his dad every day after the tragic loss. Tommy is burried next to my wife Ann Marie, who also died young, at 21 from cancer. I remember Tommy each time I vist Ann Marie

Tom O'Donnell Dean
Richard Stockton College of NJ

February 4, 2013

Tommy use to work out at our Police HQ in Cranford , he was a great young man and Trooper , what a sad loss to us all. Every time I pass his Memorial on Route 78 I say a prayer and remember him.

Sgt. Mike W. Cavalla
Cranford Police Dept ( Ret )

January 12, 2013