Police Officer Thomas E. Wortham, IV

Police Officer Thomas E. Wortham, IV

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, May 20, 2010

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Thomas E. Wortham, IV

Police 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, DC. As he was leaving, four men approached and attempted to rob him of his motorcycle near the intersection of East 85th Street and South Martin Luther King Drive. 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. In November 2014 the two uninjured subjects were both convicted of Officer Wortham's murder.

Officer Wortham had served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years and was assigned to the Englewood District. He had previously served with the Evergreen Park Police Department for eight months and had recently returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq while serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Officer Wortham was survived by his sister and parents.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 3 years, 7 months
  • Badge 6181
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, May 19, 2010
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

off duty, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 10, 2024

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