New York Metropolitan Police Force, New York
End of Watch Thursday, July 9, 1857
Add to My HeroesThomas Sparks
Patrolman Sparks succumbed to injuries received when he was struck by an object after arresting a man for assault.
Patrolman Sparks had been appointed a Special Patrolman only one night before due to rioting going on in the city. Two rival gangs, "The Bowery Boys" and "The Dead Rabbits" had faced off against each other.
Patrolman Sparks heard a cry for help, he responded and made an arrest. As Patrolman Sparks was walking the arrested subject toward White Street, he was struck with an object by a member of the "Dead Rabbits" gang. He was taken home where his condition deteriorated he died five days after being assaulted.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour 1 day
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Assault
- Incident Date Saturday, July 4, 1857
- Weapon Blunt object
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsLooking to Honor all the LOD Officers, Trying to Locate these Officers Graves any help to Identify and Locate this Heros Grave would be Very Much Appreciated.
Retired Lt Bill Markowski
Lt William Markowski
NYPD
July 8, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Caleb Abney
Hahira Police Department, GA
EOW: February 19, 2026
Trooper Michael Diego
Florida Highway Patrol, FL
EOW: February 18, 2026
Police Officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove Police Department, IN
EOW: February 16, 2026
Trooper Hunter R. Bennett
Arizona Department of Public Safety, AZ
EOW: February 4, 2026
Sergeant Robert G. Porfert
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: March 21, 2025
Police Officer Timothy J. Keane
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: June 8, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Joe Crumpton
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 9, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Richard A. Haggard
Lee County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: February 2, 2026
Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang
Gwinnett County Police Department, GA
EOW: February 1, 2026

