Hero: Thomas Cluelow

In Memory of Chief of Police Thomas Cluelow

On a fateful day in March 1953 while in the performance of his duties as the Chief of Police for Upland borough, Thomas Cluelow suffered a heart attack that would end his law enforcement service and his life. Chief Cluelow becomes the 35th law enforcement officer to be added to the Delaware County law enforcement monument in Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania.

Chief Thomas Cluelow was 65 years of age at the time of his death on March 13, 1953. The Chester Times reported that on that day Chief Thomas Cluelow was driving his police vehicle to the County Court House in Media, Pennsylvania on official business. In the car with Chief Cluelow were Patrolman Robert McClintock and Justice of the Peace Joseph Doonan. At approximately 1:00 P.M. at the intersection of Wallingford Road and Highland Avenue in Nether Providence, Chief Cluelow was stricken by what would later prove to be a fatal heart attack. The police vehicle struck another car and came to rest in a nearby sand pile. A passing physician administered medical aid to Chief Cluelow and he was then transported by Media ambulance to Crozer Hospital in Upland, PA. Unfortunately, Chief Cluelow was pronounced dead upon his arrival at the hospital.

Chief Cluelow was survived by his wife; a son, Thomas Jr. of Chester and a daughter, Mrs. Betty Smith of Upland. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Cluelow, both of Upland, were alive at the time of his death.

Chief Cluelow was a life long resident of Upland borough. He joined the Upland Police Department as a patrol officer on November 8, 1938 and was appointed Chief of Police five years later in 1943. He served as Chief of Police for 10 years until his untimely death in 1953. At the time of his death, Thomas Cluelow was also the Upland Fire Chief.

Prior to joining the Upland Police Department, Thomas Cluelow was a long-standing member of the Franklin Fire Company in Chester and a state game warden. He was also a paperhanger by trade.

The Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation is honored to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by Chief Cluelow in March of 1953 as he worked to protect and serve the residents of Delaware County.