Thomas Rees, a 32-year-old Caucasian male, was a dedicated police officer with the West Jordan Police Department. On February 23, 1986, Rees was participating in a weapons retention training exercise at the police department. The training was designed to prepare officers for struggles in which a suspect might attempt to take their firearm. During this fateful training session, an instructor, who was playing the role of an assailant, grabbed for Officer Rees's. 38-caliber revolver.
In a tragic turn of events, the weapon discharged.
A single bullet struck Officer Rees in the upper right chest. Medical assistance was immediately rendered, and he was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the swift medical response and the efforts of the doctors, the wound proved to be fatal. A few hours after the accidental shooting, Thomas Rees succumbed to his injury. His death was a profound shock to his family, the West Jordan Police Department, and the community he served. He was married and the father of three children.
The death of Officer Rees was officially ruled as a training accident. As such, there was no criminal investigation in the traditional sense, and no arrests were made. The incident was a tragic mishap that occurred in the line of duty, highlighting the inherent dangers of law enforcement training. In the years that followed, the West Jordan Police Department has continued to honor his memory. Officer Thomas M. Rees is remembered as the first officer in the department's history to lose his life in the service of the community.
