Patrolman Thomas Gilbert

Thomas is my great great grandfather. Thank you for your service. You were unfortunately forgotten and not honored by all, except by our family. In 1997 Officer Darren Gilbert of the Los Angeles Aport Police mentioned you had passed in the line of duty to his boss and friend Sergeant Guy Painter. Guy inquired with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Directory to why you were not honored as a fallen officer. The Memorial staff found, The NYPD never forwarded your name to be added to the memorial. Guy persistence continued to have your name placed on the memorial. He wrote to the NYPD, the letter eventually ended up at the seat of the chief of personnel. When the chief read a fallen officer was not being honored, he assigned a detective to investigate the matter. The detective found you were in fact struck by a vehicle in the line of duty. Finally after almost 80 years your name was added to the Memorial in May 1998. You were also honored at the New York State Police Memorial in Albany, in May 1998.

Thank you for your service.

John M. Gilbert
Great Great Grandson

September 11, 2023