Officer Thomas R. Hayes
Entered Division of Police
December 3, 1972
Died In the Line of Duty
January 20, 2011
Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.
He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.
Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.
In March 2011 Officer Hayes' death was ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner.
Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus Division of Police. Prior to being shot, he had served with the agency for seven years. He is survived by his wife.