Thomas R. O'Dea (1962-2004) grew up in a house on 151st Place in Whitestone and graduated from Holy Cross High School. He served with the New York City Police Department for over 19 years.

When the World Trade Center disaster occurred on September 11, 2001, Thomas volunteered at the site to dig and search for survivors during the first 40 days. He was so determined in this effort that he checked into a hotel near the site to spend as much time as possible helping to sort through the rubble.

Shortly after this, Thomas was diagnosed with cancer. He died of this illness on June 7, 2004.