BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Inspector Thomas J. Norton who was killed in the line of duty on June 19, 1914.
Inspector Norton was attempting to arrest an individual who was wanted for the murder of three bank clerks during a hold-up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Inspector Norton entered the Boylston Street Café at the intersection of Boylston Street and Washington Street where he observed the suspect. Along with his partner, Inspector Norton approached the suspect and placed his hand on his shoulder, the suspect in turn pulled out his revolver and shot Inspector Norton in the chest. Inspector Norton later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The 49-year-old Norton was a 17-year veteran of the department at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife Annie and his eight children Alice, Marion, Charles, Olive, Thomas, Mildred, Joseph, and Robert.
Inspector Norton was laid to rest at the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester and his name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Location in Washington D.C. on Panel 61 West Line 3. His name is also forever engraved on the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Boston.
In Boston, a Hero Sign has been placed in his honor at the corner of Boylston Street and Washington Street, Downtown. The sign is to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city.