Thomas Bowen was a 26-year-old White police officer in Columbus, Georgia, who was shot and killed while responding to a burglary in progress on the night of March 11, 1984. Colleagues remembered him as intelligent, humorous, caring, and known by the nickname Spanky. He had encouraged others to pursue education and better themselves, and his death left a deep impact on the Columbus Police Department and the local community.

His name is remembered on memorials to fallen officers as a tribute to his service and sacrifice.