Oakland Policeman
Thomas (Tom) Chambers

Thomas (Tom) J Chambers (1914-1984) was born in Oakland, CA. His father, an Irish merchant seaman, first sailed out of Liverpool at the tender age of 12 and emigrated by jumping ship in Oakland to enlist for the Spanish American War.

Tom first joined the US Coast Guard and managed to land one of the only jobs available with the Oakland Police Department during the height of the depression. His 6’-5” height and impressive strength probably made him stand out among over 1000 applicants. In spite of his prior service and essential personnel exemption, he was drafted into the Army at the start of WWII because of his expertise in small arms and explosives. Eventually he was sent to Normandy to clear the beaches of mines and defensive installations. Later, while clearing mines in the hedgerows he was injured by a mine that almost blew his nose off and embedded shrapnel too close to his brain to be removed. After a month in a French hospital, he was sent back out to the front lines.

After the war, his police job was waiting for him. He stayed in the Army reserves as a small arms trainer and Captain of the Sixth Army Pistol Team. In police work, he also trained officers in other departments and the FBI. Tom trained all six of his children (two sons and four daughters) to shoot rifle and pistol at a young age. All shoot at an expert level, a family tradition that has now passed on another two generations.

Oakland Police Sergeant Thomas Chambers wearing badge 204.
Oakland Policeman Thomas Chambers wearing badge 196.
Oakland Police Inspectors circa 1940
Thomas J Chambers Inspector Badge 132

Inspector Thomas J. Chambers
standing bottom row far right.

Oakland Policeman Thomas Chambers wearing badge 196.

Oakland Police Sergeant Thomas Chambers wearing badge 204.

Inspector Thomas J. Chambers’ Inspector badge #132, made of sterling silver and hand engraved.  Made by the Ed Jones Co. Oakland, CAL.

Thomas Chambers
Oakland Tribune October 16, 1940

Oakland Tribune October 16, 1940

Daily Review December 11, 1957
Daily Review December 11, 1957 2

Daily Review December 11, 1957

Oakland Tribune February 19, 1958
October 16, 1940 Draft Card for Thomas J. Chambers showing his occupation as Oakland Police Dept.

October 16, 1940 Draft Card for Thomas J. Chambers showing his occupation as Oakland Police Dept.

Chambers 1965 Lt. Col
Dad in France with girlfriend
Chambers Medals
Chambers Shooting
Oakland Tribune April 11, 1957 Promote to Insp

Oakland Tribune April 11, 1957

Oakland Tribune July 2, 1949 Sailors

Oakland Tribune July 2, 1949

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1954 Sgt Chambers
Patrolman T. Chambers
1960 T. Chambers
1966 T. Chambers

Official Department Photos of Thomas Chambers from Patrolman to Sergeant to Inspector.  Courtesy of Tim Sanchez

April 15, 1948 Oakland Tribune Promotes to Sgt

April 15, 1948
Oakland Tribune

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