Special Agent Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Great Northern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

Special Agent Thomas J. Fitzgerald

Great Northern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Monday, October 3, 1921

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Thomas J. Fitzgerald

Special Agent Thomas Fitzgerald was shot and killed in St. Paul, Minnesota, while conducting an investigation the Great Northern Railway yards on Jackson Street.

He was attempting to interview an employee in the sandhouse when the man suddenly produced a handgun and grabbed Special Agent Fitzgerald. Unbeknownst to Special Agent Fitzgerald, the subject was wanted in several other states for various crimes, including shooting at a county sheriff. The subject shot Special Agent Fitzgerald four times when he attempted to break free.

The man fled the state the following day. He was later arrested in Kansas and sentenced to 10 years in prison from burglary. While in prison he admitted to Special Agent Fitzgerald's murder. Upon his release in 1931 he was returned to Minnesota where he plead guilty to murder and was sentenced to life at hard labor.

Special Agent Fitzgerald had served with the Great Northern Railway Police for 26 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 26 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Minnesota
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Agent Fitzgerald,
Even though it’s been over 100 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 30, 2021