Larchmont Community Reacts to Untimely Death of Police Captain

Update: 5:45 p.m.

It was a tragedy of the worst proportions, leaving a small town police department without one of its key members. 

"This was a knife to the heart," said Larchmont Mayor Anne McAndrews, continuing, "He [Sullivan] was the heart of the police force."

As the contact person for many of the village's events, Sullivan was known throughout Larchmont as a friendly, outgoing person who served with a smile.

"He was the man in charge, the one who looked beyond the police station," said McAndrews.

Sullivan—a former six-year NYPD officer—came from a community policing environment, said McAndrews, taking to heart the mantra "To Serve and Protect."

"He served the community with a concern and a real affection," she said.

Sullivan's son, Thomas Jr., just started a summer job with the Larchmont Department of Public Works, said McAndrews.  

Although it's too soon to say when exactly, the mayor plans to have a ceremony to mourn the loss of Sullivan and honor his contribution to the community.

"We're [Larchmont community] just trying to cope with the void, the loss and the shock," said McAndrews.

Funeral services will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel.

Larchmont’s tight-knit community was shaken this morning when news that a raging house fire in Carmel claimed the lives of Capt. Thomas Sullivan—a nearly 20-year veteran of the police department as well as its executive officer—and several members of his family.

“It’s one of the true horrors of the day...every family's worst nightmare,” said Larchmont Trustee Peter Fanelli, who got the call about the fire early this morning. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

Town of Mamaroneck Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney—a former Larchmont trustee—worked with Sullivan organizing events for the town, and remembered him simply as a “really good guy.”

"I can't say enough...just a great, great guy," said Larchmont Police Spokesperson Lt. Antonino Rigano at a press conference this morning.

"He was devoted to his wife, his kids...I don't have words to tell you, just a great individual," he said.

Josie Fanelli, owner of in Larchmont and a mother of two children, was shocked by the tragedy.

"It's horrible," she said.

Debbie Manetta, spokesperson for the Mamaroneck School District, released a statement today:

"It's a terrible tragedy that is being felt by this entire community and all who knew and loved him.  On behalf of Mamaroneck Schools, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time."

The fire residence on Wyndham Lane in Carmel.  Shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene, the structure collapsed, making it impossible for trapped occupants to escape, said authorities.  The cause of the fire is unknown, with the investigation expected to take weeks, said Carmel Police Chief Mike Johnson at a press conference this morning.

Police said this afternoon that Sullivan, his wife and two teenaged daughters perished in the fire. His son, a college student, escaped through the garage and was  treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation. The bodies of three of the four fire victims have been recovered and the search for the fourth body continues.

Police confirmed Sullivan's body was found on a rear deck of his home.

Stay tuned to Larchmont Patch for the developing story.