Conservation Officer Thomas Jay Deniston, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana

Conservation Officer Thomas Jay Deniston

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana

End of Watch Tuesday, October 16, 1990

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Thomas Jay Deniston

Conservation Officer Thomas Deniston was killed in an aircraft accident at Smith Field near State Road 3 and Interstate 69 in Allen County.

Conservation Officer Deniston was traveling in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane became engulfed in flames upon impact and was nearly completely destroyed. The pilot who was a dispatcher, and a jail officer, both of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department and off duty were also killed in the crash. Conservation Officer Deniston was investigating deer being hunted illegally and had planned on photographing duck blinds and possible waterfowl bating.

Conservation Officer Deniston had served with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for two years and was a US Air Force veteran. He was survived by his wife, four sisters, two brothers and parents.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 2 years
Badge 18
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

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Most Recent Reflection

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Tom was my roommate in early 1988 at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy basic class. He was a excellent example of all the positive traits that a law enforcement officer should possess- honest, straightforward, humble and lead by example of hard work.

I was out of state at training at the time of his passing, and will forever regret not being able to pay my respects to Tom, his family and his ICO brothers.

Thanks for the overwatch, Tom, we all needed it.

Chris Downard, Captain (Retired)
Lafayette, Indiana, Police Department

June 25, 2025