Holly MatkinProvidence, RI – Norton Police Department (NPD) Deputy Chief Thomas “Tommy” Petersen died on Tuesday due to complications of a stomach ailment, according to his department.
The 51-year-old deputy chief went to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro on July 10 due to stomach pain and was transferred to Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday, NPD Chief Brian Clark told The Sun Chronicle.
He passed away on Tuesday while surrounded by his family, Chief Clark said in a press release that evening.
“It is with great sadness that Chief Brian Clark and members of the Norton Police Department announce the passing of Deputy Chief of Police Thomas J. Petersen Jr. who passed away earlier today at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his family after a brief illness,” the chief wrote.
Deputy Chief Petersen, a 33-year veteran of the department, originally joined NPD as a dispatcher.
He worked in all aspects of the agency over the next three decades, to include patrol, detectives and administration.
Deputy Chief Petersen also served on the Northern Bristol County Drug Task Force, the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Investigative Support Unit, and was commander of the Detective Division, Chief Clark said.
“He embraced community policing and was a mentor, trainer, and coach to not only officers but students as well,” the chief added.
Deputy Chief Petersen leaves behind his wife of nearly 28 years, Michelle, as well as his sons, Nicholas and Matthew, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his sisters, in-laws, nephews, niece, aunts, uncles, cousins, his NPD family, and his extended law enforcement family.
“He will always be remembered as a fair and loyal man and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him,” his obituary read.
Deputy Chief Petersen will be laid to rest on July 20.
Police escort of @NortonMaPolice Deputy Chief Thomas Petersen Jr. today as he was brought home to Norton. (📹: North Attleboro Police) @ChiefClark81 pic.twitter.com/0B0YIkwSes
— Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) July 15, 2021
Norton Police announce the promotion of three officers effective 5/3/20:
Thomas Petersen Jr. To Deputy Chief of Police
James Franco to Police Lieutenant
Charles Turcotte to Police Sergeant
Congratulations on your new positions! pic.twitter.com/FmloIir3bC— Norton Police Dept. (@NortonMaPolice) May 4, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Norton Police Department Deputy Chief Thomas “Tommy” Petersen, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
