Metro-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Sunday, April 29, 1990
Add to My HeroesThomas James Leis
Lieutenant Thomas Leis died from complications related to carbon monoxide poisoning received on October 4th, 1988, at the Port of Miami.
He suffered the poisoning while assisting with the rescue of several crewmembers from the hold of a ship. Two crewmembers died, and several others became seriously ill. Seven firefighters and one other police officer were also overcome by the fumes but recovered after receiving treatment.
Lieutenant Leis received recognition for his bravery in his efforts to save the crewmembers during the incident.
Lieutenant Leis had served with the Metro-Dade Police Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and five daughters.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 17 years
- Badge 1917
Incident Details
- Cause Exposure to toxins
- Incident Date Tuesday, October 4, 1988
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsAs a 22 year old Customs Special Agent, I remember learning a lot from Tommy while working with him on Key Biscayne. His kind but firm professionalism was evident in every interaction that I observed him have with the public. Thank you for keeping me safe Tommy. I hope that my son and you meet in Heaven.
Peter S. Ostrovsky, HSI (Ret.)
Gold Star Father of USMC LCpl Jack-Ryan Ostrovsky
Bend, Oregon USA
July 11, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024