Tyler Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, May 8, 1955
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 4 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: May 8, 1955
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Arrested
Patrolman Burl Whittington was killed during a high speed pursuit on South Broadway. He was conducting a special speed enforcement operation due to recent complaints about speeders. He had attempted to stop a car and was led on a chase reaching 95 mph. His patrol car hit a dip in the road and went out of control. The vehicle struck a tree, causing Patrolman Whittington to suffer fatal injuries. Three juveniles were later arrested for their part in the chase.
Patrolman Whittington had been employed with the Tyler Police Department for 17 months and is survived by his wife and son.