Police Officer Tommy L. Thedford, Bessemer Police Department, Alabama

Police Officer Tommy L. Thedford

Bessemer Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Thursday, October 1, 1981

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Tommy L. Thedford

Police Officer Tommy Thedford was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect following a stakeout at 31st Street and Dartmouth Avenue in Bessemer at 4:00 p.m.

Officer Thedford was helping two women recover stolen jewelry. When Officer Thedford questioned the subject, the man started to walk away, but quickly turned around and pointed a gun at Officer Thedford. Before Officer Thedford could draw his gun, the man shot him in the head and fled.

Officer Thedford was transported to Lloyd Noland Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds at 5:18 p.m.

The suspect was a convicted killer recently released from prison. He had served two years of a 12-year sentence for second-degree murder. Since 1966, he had been arrested for burglary ten times. He was also under indictment for attempted murder since his release. He was convicted of Officer Thedford's murder and sentenced to death.

Officer Thedford had served with the Bessemer Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 12 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to death

convicted felon, robbery, stakeout

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Most Recent Reflection

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I remember Officer Thedford. I was a little girl at the time (57 now) and he would drive through the neighborhood in his patrol car. I also recall how he was loved by the community. As the people would say, he was a nice officer. It was really sad hearing that he had been killed. We appreciated his service to the Bessemer community!

Lisa
Child from the community he served

September 13, 2025