Thomas J. Byrne
Tom was born in the Bronx, New York. His family relocated to Chantilly, VA in the early 1980’s. Tom graduated from Chantilly High School in 1986. He went to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA where he studied finance and was a brother in the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Tom graduated JMU in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance. He joined DEA in 1992 as an Intelligence Specialist assigned to Headquarters in the Financial and Special Intelligence Section. In 1996, Tom and Maureen Feeney married. That same year Tom was hired as a DEA Special Agent through the Washington Field Division and upon graduation was assigned to the Miami Field Division to an Enforcement Group. In 2002 he was reassigned to the Nassau Bahamas Country Office where he served for four years. In April 2006, Tom was promoted to Group Supervisor in the Houston Field Division where he served until his death.
Tom was survived by his wife Maureen and four children, Tommy, Joseph, Matthew and Michael. He was also survived by his parents, Thomas, a retired DEA Special Agent and Joan Byrne and two sisters, Patricia and Joann. Additionally, Tom had a large extended family, many of whom also work in law enforcement.
DEA Wall of Honor
On May 13, 2009, the DEA held its annual Memorial Observance. This is an annual event to coincide with National Police Week. The purpose is to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty at the DEA and within other law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with the DEA (78 people to date). This year’s memorial observance was to honor Tom and his induction into the DEA Wall of Honor.
The day was both somber in remembrance of Tom, and celebratory to commemorate Tom’s courageous life of service to the DEA and his country. There were several speakers including DEA Administrator Michele Leonart, and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Tom was represented by Maureen and his four sons as well as several family members, friends and colleagues.
The link to the DEA Wall of Honor is here: http://www.deamemorial.org
The DEA Museum and Wall of Honor are open to the public. The museum is located at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA. http://www.deamuseum.org