Our Mission
The Police Officer Tom Carney Hearthstone Project honors the legacy of Police Officer Tom Carney by supporting law enforcement families facing terminal illness, serious sickness, hardship, or loss. Guided by compassion and humility, we stand with those in need, ensuring no family stands alone.
Rooted in love, loyalty, and friendship, these values are our cornerstone and the promise we carry forward.
Tom’s Story
A true fighter, Thomas James Carney courageously battled lung cancer for over five years after being diagnosed at just 38 years old. He faced his illness with strength, dignity, and resilience, remaining steadfast until the very end. Tom Carney passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 43 years old.
Raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, Tom was a proud native New Yorker who carried a deep love for his city throughout his life. He dedicated over 19 years of service to the New York City Police Department, working in the Midtown South Precinct. As one of New York’s Finest, Tom took great pride in serving and protecting the city he called home.
Tom was also a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Diane, and a loving and dedicated father to his four children: Thomas, Owen, Kathleen, and Ciara. He took great pride in his family and was happiest when they were together, whether at home or traveling to the places he loved most. Tom also cherished his role as a brother and a son, maintaining deep bonds with his sister, Christine, and honoring his parents, Tommy and Eileen, with the same love, respect, and loyalty that defined all of his relationships. He led by example, instilling in his children the values of kindness, resilience, and loyalty that he carried throughout his life.
Known for his gentle nature, quick wit, and thoughtful spirit, Tom had a quiet presence that left a lasting impression. His warm smile and sharp sense of humor made him unforgettable. He found joy in simple pleasures—family dinners, playing the guitar, occasionally singing when encouraged, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Mets and the Rangers. Tom treasured time spent with family and friends. His warmth, kindness, and steady presence endeared him to all who knew him.
Tom will be remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a proud public servant. To know him was to love him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In honoring Tom’s life and the compassion he showed to others, his family and friends are committed to continuing his legacy of warmth and kindness through the P.O. Tom Carney Hearthstone Project, an initiative dedicated to extending friendship, support, and aid to law enforcement families.
