The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

OFFICER OF THE MONTH - JULY 1998

OFFICER THOMAS G. GRIFFITHS
BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has announced the selection of Officer Thomas G. Griffiths, of the Boston Police Department, as Officer of the Month for July 1998.

According to NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd, "Officer Tom Griffiths personifies excellence in law enforcement. His professional dedication to his job and his personal devotion to his community are exemplary. If every community in America could boast of a Tom Griffiths, this country would indeed be exceptional."

The former Chief of Construction for the City of Boston, Officer Griffiths entered the Boston Police Academy in 1993 at the age of 35. Making the decisions to take a drastic cut in pay and enter a dangerous profession were not a light undertaking for this dedicated husband and father. He began setting the standard for his performance by being elected president of his class.

For the last six years, Officer Griffiths has set an incredible record with the Boston Police Department. One of Boston's highest decorated police officers, he has received two Medals of Honor. In one situation, drawing on his construction background, Officer Griffiths realized there was a threat of an explosion at a construction site. He single handily evacuated an entire city block during lunch hour on a busy workday. His quick actions saved the lives of hundreds of people when the explosion occurred. On another occasion he and his partners apprehended suspects involved in a shooting. Further investigation revealed that three of the four suspects were connected with an ongoing investigation into stolen weapons from Alabama in the Uphams Corner area.

Currently working in one of Boston's most dangerous urban areas, Officer Griffiths has been credited as the driving force behind the drop in crime in the Uphams Corner area. "Tommy is the ideal for community policing," says Mark Culliton, Program Manger for Uphams Corner Main Street. "He's everyone's friend unless you're breaking the law; and he knows where to draw the line between right and wrong." The residents of the Uphams area are so appreciative of Officer Griffiths' work, over 300 citizens and business owners presented him with a special award for his efforts at a community ceremony.

Officer Griffiths is a tireless advocate for children of all ages and situations. The father of three, this dedicated officer and his wife have a special needs child. Both Officer and Mrs. Griffiths have devoted their lives to fundraising and legislation development, implementation and change for special needs children. However, his work with at risk youth does not stop there. According to Martin Nee, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corp., "In addition to his myriad community activities and his full time police work, Officer Griffiths, drawing upon his previous experience as Chief of Construction and his current experience in law enforcement, will join other Boston individuals and organizations in a building project to provide direction and skills for at risk youth."

Why did Tom Griffiths give up a well-paid position as Chief of Construction to become a policeman? "I grew up where, as a kid, you could go around the corner and play with your friends. Today children don't have that luxury. This is for the kids and their future."

Officer Thomas G. Griffiths, is one of six brothers who chose to be Boston police officers. His oldest brother Sherman Griffiths was killed in the line of duty. One of his Medals of Honor is The Department Medal of Honor in Memory of Detective Sherman C. Griffiths. Despite the continuous danger to which he is exposed and the loss of a brother in the line of duty, Officer Tom Griffiths has never fired his weapon.