Patrolman Glynn | Star #6933

Patrolman Thomas Joseph Glynn, Star #6933, aged 46 years, was a 21 year, 6 months 18 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 8th District – Chicago Lawn.

On September 20, 1974, at 9:10 p.m., Officer Glynn and his partner, Officer William Murphy, age 28, were working the third watch on beat 802. While on patrol the officers spotted Isabel McKenna, age 18, at Hale Park location at 6242 West 62nd Street, who was under a court order to stay away from the park. McKenna had been previously arrested for marijuana, was found guilty, and sentenced to six months of probation one month prior to this incident. The officers ordered her to leave the park when her friend, David Bridges, age 18, of 6215 South Moody Avenue, interfered and told the officers he didn’t have to leave. The officers ordered Bridges to leave the park and not interfere in the matter. At this time Bridges became abusive and began to argue causing a commotion. The officer then him that he was under arrest for obstructing a police officer. As Bridges was being escorted to the squad car he began to resist by kicking and punching the officers. As a result of the fight both officers sustained torn shirts, the star being ripped off Officer Glynn’s shirt, and bruises during the altercation. Bridges was placed in hand cuffs and transported to the 8th District – Chicago Lawn station, located at 3515 West 63rd Street, for processing. Upon arriving to the Station Officer Glynn parked the squad car and as he exited the driver’s side he collapsed and fell face down on the street. Another officer observed this and notified his partner. Officer Murphy ran over and immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation while an ambulance was summoned. Officer Glynn was transported to Holy Cross Hospital by beat 871 where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Lim at 9:35 p.m. on September 20, 1974. his death was caused by acute coronary insufficiency secondary to severe stenosing coronary atherosclerosis, associated with contusion of the face, caused when the officer collapsed.

On September 20, 1974, David Bridges was charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of obstruction of a police officer. Following a Coroner’s Inquest Area 3 detectives sought to charge Bridges with murder and received felony approval from Assistant States Attorney Joseph Urso. On November 8, 1974, at 6:45 p.m., he was arrested again at his residence and charged with murder for the death of Officer Glynn. On November 22, 1974, Bridges was held to the Grand Jury which returned a True Bill for murder. On October 28, 1975, Bridges entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced by Judge Machala to 3 years of probation and 2 years of periodic imprisonment.

Officer Glynn was waked at Lain & Son Chapel located at 2121 West 95th Street. His funeral mass was held at St. Symphorosa Catholic Church located at 6125 South Austin Avenue. He was laid to rest on September 24, 1974 in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3801 West 87th Street, Evergreen Park, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 11, Lot 15, Block 10, Section HG.

Patrolman Thomas Joseph Glynn, born January 3, 1928, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on March 2, 1953.

Officer Glynn served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 thru 1951 and was Honorably Discharged. He was also a member of the Confederation of Police and the St. Jude Police League. Officer Glynn was survived by his wife, Philomena Margaret (nee O’Neill), age 41; children: Ann Marie, age 11, Brendan Michael, age 5, John Oliver, age 13, Patricia Michelle, age 12, Philomena Elizabeth, age 17, Maureen Carol, age 15, Sean and Tom; mother, Margaret (nee Conway) and siblings: Barbara Garner, Loretta Carroll, Mary Fraser, Michael, Patricia McDermott and William J.

Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department RD #P455387.