Patrolman Thomas C. Whitelock

Thomas C. Whitelock

Patrolman Whitelock responded to a second floor apartment in Riverton to investigate the report of a naked suicidal man with a knife that was attempting to cut this throat. Patrolman Whitelock arrived on location and requested back up. A Palmyra Boro police officer was off-duty and responed in his own personal vehicle to back up Patrolman Whitelock. Once both officers were on location they were met in the living room by the naked suspect holding a knife, he had cut his penis and was attempting to slit his throat. The blood covered suspect ran down the back fire escape of the residence and was tackled by both Officers.
Patrolman Whitelock managed to get one handcuff on the suspect, at this point the suspect ripped Patrolman Whitelock's .357 Colt Python from it's holster and shot the other officer once in the chest. The suspect then shot Patrolman Whitelock in the chest killing him. Patrolman Norcross then discharged his Colt .45 Caliber semi-automatic hitting the suspect all seven times point blank in the chest killing him.
Over 2000 Officers attended Patrolman Whitelock's funeral, they walked over two miles from the funeral home to the cemetery in a heavy snow storm to pay their respects. Patrolman Whitelock was the first Riverton Police Officer killed in the line of duty.