Thomas Cummins

Officer

New Haven

End of Watch: 11/24/1855

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Officer Cummins was a member of the Night Watch that existed from 1640 - 1861, when it was replaced by the New Haven Police Department. He was beaten while attempting to break up a fight and thereby became the first New Haven Police Officer to die in the line of duty.

Thomas Cummins was a member of the Night Watch that existed from 1640 until 1861 when it was replaced by the New Haven Police Department. Their duties were to watch for fires and to maintain peace and order. On November 23, 1855 Watchmen Thomas Cummins and William Grant went to Morocco Street to break up a fight. Upon arrival both officers were beaten however they were able to arrest the offender. The next day Thomas Cummins died from his injuries thereby being the first New Haven Police Officer to die in the line of duty