P.O. Thomas Wortham #6181
| Name: | Wortham, Thomas E. IV |
| Star: | 6181 |
| Rank: | Police Officer |
| District / Unit: | 007 District (Englewood) |
| End of Watch: | 20-May-2010 |
| Incident Details: |
Officer Thomas Wortham was shot and killed after identifying himself as a police officer when four subjects attempted to rob him while he was off duty at 11:25 pm. Officer Wortham was visiting his parents' home to show them pictures from the previous week's Police Week activities that he attended in Washington. As he was leaving, four men approached and attempted to rob him of his motorcycle. Officer Wortham drew his service weapon and fired at the suspects, but was fatally shot in the abdomen. He was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. His father, a retired Chicago police sergeant, witnessed the shooting and exchanged shots with the suspects. One was killed, another was seriously wounded while the two remaining males fled in a vehicle. All three suspects have been charged with first-degree murder. Officer Wortham had served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years and was assigned to the Englewood District. He had recently returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq while serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Officer Wortham is survived by his sister and parents. |
Reflections
Once again a better part of our future is taken from us by those who did not learn because others failed to teach. Our prayers and love are with his family and fellow officers. ------ Charles E. Carlson and family -- 05/22/2010
For years, Thomas and his sister danced in the "New Life Dance Company" with our son. When we heard of this tragedy, we immediately remembered that time and smiled at the memories. We are soooo saddened about this loss and will continue to pray for Thomas' family and friends. But, our faith tells us that Thomas is in a place where he will rejoice until we all join him. We will continue to pray for the entire Chicago Police Department as it moves forward from yet another horrible sign of the times in the city. God Bless!!!! ------ Retired Sgt. Ed Madgett and Family -- 05/22/2010
It is indeed a shame that one could spend a year in a hot war zone, and return to this country to be gunned down in the streets. Unfortunately, this is an all-too common story. My heart goes out to the family, and my prayers are with you. ------ A. Billups -- 05/22/2010
no matter how long , always rember , as a Police family we will never forget . My Deepest condolonces for the family ------ Retired C P D Officer Steven Friedman -- 05/22/2010
My deepest sympathy to the Wortham family, it is a sad time for all. We thank Officer Wortham for his Military Service, and his service to the City of Chicago. May your family find peace with the great memories left behind by, Officer THOMAS WORTHAM IV. "He will never be forgotten." ------ Detective Gilbert Ortiz Area 3 -- 05/22/2010
Rest In Peace Officer Wortham. My prayers go out to you and your family My condolences to your mother and father who had to witness this horrible tragedy. As an Officer serving two tours of duty in Iraq and honorable patrolman on our department will be well received among the hero's in heaven. I believe if you can you'll inform them, among the transition, that we need spiritual help down here where there are many lost souls. Thanks for the time you were here with us. ------ P.O. Cornelius Downey -- 05/22/2010
God has taken an angel to heaven. I want to extend my condolences to the family of this officer. ------ Belinda Jackson. -- 05/22/2010
Your life was a testament of the good in people. Your bravery and service to Chicago and the world will not be in vein. Rest in peace. My condolonces to the Wortham family, a true hero was lost and our hearts are heavy. God Bless! ------ Yousef A. -- 05/21/2010
To the family you have my condolonces. May God Bless you and keep you. ------ Beverly L. Childs -- 05/21/2010
It is just a sad thing to happen to a person that serve his country to protect all people all race to go over to Iraq and fight a war and God send him home safe,and than something like this happen if he did not die in Iraq (than you have to ask yourself why here and now for a arm robbery. God bless his family. ------ Gerri -- 05/21/2010
WE WILL TRULY MISS YOU AND NO ONE IS EVER PREPARED FOR THE THINGS THAT LIFE GIVE S US.AS A FORMER RANGER YOU NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE THE POLICE AND PROUDLY SAY IM A RANGER.Rangers are no stranger to danger.We are strong .It hurts like hell to keep going to these damn funerals .I cant even imagine what the family is going through.However I DO know that ,every one this job (Cpd) need to get right with God ,because we never know when we are going to meet our maker.This is a young man that touched everyones heart and with the short time on the job ,he was loved. We need to put aside our differences and unite as one and take our streets i am sure he ll missed by many and its a great loss to cpd and the community god bless him and his family ------ j campagna cook county sherrif dept -- 05/21/2010
WE WILL TRULY MISS YOU AND NO ONE IS EVER PREPARED FOR THE THINGS THAT LIFE GIVE S US.AS A FORMER RANGER YOU NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE THE POLICE AND PROUDLY SAY IM A RANGER.Rangers are no stranger to danger.We are strong .It hurts like hell to keep going to these damn funerals .I cant even imagine what the family is going through.However I DO know that ,every one this job (Cpd) need to get right with God ,because we never know when we are going to meet our maker.This is a young man that touched everyones heart and with the short time on the job ,he was loved. We need to put aside our differences and unite as one and take our streets back.We need to show these punks ,that we mean business,and we are taking you in.It saddens me that the revs ,politicians and the Mayor arent here to comment on a fine officer that was doing the right thing. My prayers are with you family and may God continue to walk with you ,until you meet Tom again. ------ Dorothy Stutzke -- 05/21/2010
It is always a tragedy when we lose a brother officer. When the officer is trying to help his community aside from his police duties - the entire community suffers. The family and community has my thoughts and prayers. ------ Dorothy Stutzke -- 05/21/2010
REST IN PEACE BROTHER,WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.....MAY GOD BE WITH YOU. ------ PIESIEWICZ # 14233 CPD -- 05/21/2010
Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends Officer Thomas Wortham. You were a true hero to Chicago P.D. and to your Country that you both served under. ------ Rick Berlin Marinette County Sheriff -- 05/21/2010
I served with Thomas's dad in the 003rd Dist. long ago and extend my thoughts and prayers for this brave young officer. ------ Rich Dixon -- 05/21/2010
Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service to our great city and country. ------ Trooper 5660 -- 05/21/2010
My heartfelt sorrow to Officer Thomas Wortham's family. He was, and will always be a hero. God bless him and keep him close. His family, his city and his country will always be grateful to him. ------ Sgt. John Battistella (Retired Feb 1997) -- 05/21/2010
May God bless you and your family...we thank you for your service to our Country and to our City. There is a special place for hero's like you. ------ Robert Povilaitis - retired CPD -- 05/21/2010
Thank you for serving our country and city, my thoughts and prays our with you and you family. ------ Anonymous -- 05/21/2010
I'm so sorry, for this Fellow Officer to serve this Great Country and Community he will be dearly missed, he is a TRUE HERO. God Bless, God Bless us all ------ Anthony L. Narbone - Jesse Brown VMAC Police Service -- 05/21/2010
I never met your son but my heart breaks for you and your family. He is in my family's prayers as well as the rest of your family. May God bless your family. ------ P.O. Steven Jacoby #5654, Brother Rice 1986 -- 05/21/2010
Real American. Soldier, Policeman and a Hero. Rest in Peace Thomas. God Bless You. Thank You for Your Service. ------ Bart R. Domanski -- 05/21/2010
Deepest regrets to the Wortham family for the loss of their beloved son. The country and city owe you their deepest thanks. ------ Donald & Rosemary Hill -- 05/21/2010
Thank you for your service. My prayers for your family. ------ Anonymous -- 05/21/2010
I know that it saddens all of us to think that another Chicago Police Officer has lost his life because of the senseless actions of the vultures that prey upon our Society. This officer, especially, exemplifies the caliber of what a true police officer represents to this City, but even more than that what he represents to all of us as a people. Thank you Lord for granting us the privilege of having this hero walk amongst us. Rest in peace... ------ Wayne A. Wiberg Sr. -- 05/21/2010
MY CONDOLENCES AND MANY PRAYERS ARE EXTENDED TO THE WORTHAM FAMILY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR SON OFFICER THOMS E. WORTHAM IV , WE WILL CONSTANTLY BE KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS NOW AND FOREVER MORE. LOVE, PEACE, AND BLESSINGS ------ EVANG. DORLA HILL-BUTTS (CHATHAM RESIDENT) -- 05/21/2010
As an instructor, I remember Wortham as a recruit in the academy. He was professional, on the training, and focus on completing it. He was a great guy dedicated to his family, country, and city. Gob bless him and his family. ------ Anonymous -- 05/21/2010
"Why do all the bad things, happen to the good people?" Thanks for giving me a piggy-back ride when I got tired of walking. I had fun with you. Thanks for sharing your french fries. ------ Adam Sanchez (7 years old Nephew/Godson of Alex Valadez EOW 01Jun09) -- 05/21/2010
I had the honor and priviledge of meeting Tom this past weekend in Washington DC. He drove w/ another 007th district officer to honor my brother! Just as Tom always remembered my brother, I will forever remember Tom. They are now walking Heaven's beat together! It is amazing how one person can make such an impact in one's life by sharing just one day together! My sincere condolecense to the Wortham family as I know exactly what you are going through. I have been praying for the same strength that God has given my family to get you through this tragedy! Friday, May 14, 2010 will forever stay in my memory. We got caught in a huge thunderstorm near the White House and we were all soaked to the bone and running like crazy for cover! We finally found shelter inside a McDonald's but we were freezing in there since the A/C was turned on!! It was such a funny moment... you had to be there! On Saturday May 15, after the memorial and in front of the State Capitol, Tom gave my mother the patch he carried overseas in rememberance of my brother! We shall cherish that patch forever. Thank you Officer Wortham for the service you provided to the City of Chicago and for serving your country! May you rest in eternal peace. ------ Brenda Valadez (sister of Alex Valadez EOW 01Jun09) -- 05/21/2010
This tragedy is all too common in today's world. It is especially saddening knowing that Officer Wortham was able to survive the war zone in Iraq as a soldier only to be gunned down by worthless scum in his own country. May you and your family have peace. ------ D. Wallace -- 05/21/2010
Thanks for serving your country and the citizens of Chicago. My prayers are with your family. Unfortunately I did not have the priviledge of knowing you personally, but I am grateful for what your did for our family. ------ Sgt. Rich Kearney -- 05/21/2010
Godspeed, Officer. May you find eternal rest. May your loved ones find comfort in their memories. ------ Bill Kushner, CPD (ret) -- 05/21/2010
Taken way too soon. Gods speed brother and prayers to your family ------ Detective Timothy J. Thompson -- 05/21/2010
Officer Thomas Wortham #6181; my thoughts and prayers are with you, in heaven, and your family. God bless you for a job well done. ------ MonaLisa Drake -- 05/21/2010
We would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and his coworkers in the 7th District. ------ Unit 315 -- 05/21/2010
My deepest sympathy to Off. Worthams family, friends and brothers/sisters behind the badge. Truly a great loss for the 7th district. God bless you always. Your memory will never be forgotten. ------ Melissa, Daughter of fallen CPD Det. Airhart EOW11/4/08 -- 05/21/2010
Met Tom this year at CPD memoral run, invited him to come to the NYPD memoral run on May 16 which he did, Tom and about 8 NYPD guys hung out that sun mon and tues, we showed him around NY and the boys had a great time. The president of tthe PD running club Tom Biggers informed me about Toms death on thursday, I was absoulty heartbroken, could not believe it. Although we did know him for long he was just the finest men you could meet. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. The NYPD will be attending the service. ------ Kevin Healy NYPD ret. -- 05/21/2010
When I heard the news of a Chicago Police Officer killed; it brought tears to my eyes. This Officer served two tours of duty in Iraq and then is killed by some 'good for nothing' who isn't fit to shine this brave man's shoes! His family (along with his Police family) are in my thoughts and my prayers. God Bless all Police Officers for the often thankless job that they do. Most of us are grateful for their dedication and service to all or us. ------ Anonymous -- 05/21/2010
God will reward you. Our sympathy and prayers to your family. ------ The Shilney Family -- 05/21/2010
I pray for Officer Wortham that he may rest in peace. My condolences to his mother and father who had to witness this horrible tragedy. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.. ------ Alan Lasch -- 05/21/2010
God Bless to a true HERO of our Community, City and Nation. ------ Rodriguez, R. -- 05/21/2010
To the Wortham Family, I am so sorry with your loss. He is also our loss! Take comfort in knowing you raised a truly good and caring person. He served his Country and the City of Chicago well! May God bless all of you and may He take care of Thomas! ------ Elias Voulgaris -- 05/21/2010
I had the pleasure of going through the academy with Tom. He was an amazing man,and an amazing leader but more importantly an ever better friend. You knew if you needed anything he would be there to guide you. He gave his all to his country and city, and was a true hero. I want to thank his parents for raising such an incredible man and sharing him with us. His life was cut way too short, but I have faith justice will prevail. A piece of 07-3's heart was taken from us and can never be replaced. I will miss you Tom, but you will never be forgotten, and your legacy will carry on through the ages. You certainley left your fingerprint on this world and it is a better place because of it. Thank you Tom. RIP my brother in blue, we've got the tour from here. ------ Ofc. Michelle Maxwell-Moody -- 05/21/2010
My deepest sympathy to the family of this Outstanding Officer & Veteran. ------ P.O. Marshall Long -- 05/21/2010
May the lord keep you and bless you The city and the department has suffered a great loss. ------ John F,Roberts retired -- 05/21/2010
so sorry to here about your loss,I am the mother in law of a Chicago police officer and the wife of a retired Chicago fireman, oru thoughts and prayers will be for Thomas and his family ------ Anonymous -- 23rd Dist. -- 05/21/2010
May his soul and the souls of all those who have given their lives for our country and our communities rest in peace with our heavenly father for eternity. May the Wortham Family's grief be short lived. ------ RET.OBPD #13 -- 05/22/2010
May God be with you ------ Detective David Roberts -- 05/22/2010
I believe that when someone you love dies and becomes a memory; those memories become a treasurer. I pray that Family, Friends, Chicaco Police Officers and the Citizens of Chicago find strength to cope through memories of how Officer Wortham touched their lives. ------ Sheriff Richard A. Meyers -- 05/22/2010