Thomas J. Cahill

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Thomas J. Cahill was chief of police in San Francisco from 1958-70. People called him Tom. His family repatriated to County Kilkenny, Ireland when he was a child and Cahill returned to San Francisco in 1930.

An aspiring teacher, Cahill studied to become a teacher at Ring college in Dungarvan, Ireland and received the school's Gold Ring Award, granted only to student who could speak, read and write Gaelic. But, after returning to San Francisco at the age of nineteen, Cahill, as a red-headed Irishman, could find little work and drove for the City Ice company. He then chose the profession of law enforcement and entered the police department as a recruit, graduating from the San Francisco police academy in July, 1942.

His first assignment was as a beat patrolman attached to the Potrero station. Later, he worked in the accident investigation unit and in 1946 he joined the bureau of inspectors. A year later he was assigned to the homicide division, and was eventually appointed Deputy Chief. Elevated to Chief in September, 1958, Cahill succeeded Frances J. Ahern upon Ahern's untimely death from a heart attack at a ball game. Cahill's first statement after assuming the office of Chief was that Ahern's policies would continue in force; this meant "strict departmental discipline, heads up efficiency and a "closed town". Colleagues remarked that Cahill "enjoyed every detail in police problems and the pursuit of justice".

His family loved him dearly, and was extremely hurt when he passed away. He was a very influential man, who inspired many people. He was fair to everyone, and showed respect to everyone as well. He was a strong man, even at the last stages of his life. Without him, His family is not the same family, and the society isnt the same without his presense either.