Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dad,

Mom passed 5/12/10, I know she is with you now and free of pain. I will miss her greatly, a son could not asked for a better Mother. She was true to her Family, God and Country as you were. I hope I can live up to all your expectations. Rest in peace Mom I love you.

Carl

Assistant Chief (Retired) Carl Wortham
Sand Springs OK PD

May 26, 2010

The past 36 years have gone way too fast, still miss you greatly.

Carl

Anonymous

July 17, 2009

From one Reserve to another, Thank you and God Bless. Never Forgotten.

952
Ottawa County, MI

January 9, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this holiday season. Some people say that they know it is hard for us to get through the holiday season, but it doesn't have to be a holiday for it to be a rough day. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. I have decorated the outside of my home in all blue lights for the holiday season, one of those lights burns brightly every night in your honor. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 14, 2008

Dad,
On this day of Thanksgiving I can't help but to be thankful for the wonderful life I have been blest with. I don't know how others deal with the pain but I have prayed many a times for God to take away the pain and in his wisdom he has answered my prayers. The loss of you and then Val was too much for me to bare, I met with my priest and we prayed for God to take away the pain. It was as if God said it is time. I am moving on and doing well. I have met a wonderful lady and we are getting married on Dec 7 ( yes, Pearl Habor). I'm happy and ready to start my life again. All the wonderful memmories are still there and visted often, Now it's time to create some new ones.

True Heros never die.

Your Son,

Carl

Chief Carl Wortham (retired)
Sand Springs Okla PD

November 27, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 10, 2008

Deputy Wortham Rest in peace my brother and thank you for your service .

Carl
I want to thank you for the words you provided to Joshua Norris EOW 7/5/07 who was to be my son in-law, they touched my daughter and has helped my family during a dark time. My daughter had a general idea of how large our police family was, but your reflection showed just how large the family of blue is. Sorry for the delay in responding, time has made it possible for me to read all the entries.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

December 19, 2007

Our family stops today to reflect on the moving tributes for Officer Wortham, from his son Carl. We know that Val and Glenn are watching a football game together, no longer in pain.

Carl, the remembrance of the loss of your father in the month July, and the death of your dear wife Val last October, may have hit you hard this year. Know that your family is lifted up in prayer.

Family of Patrolman Clifton T. Miller
Rossford, Ohio, P.D., EOW 14 May, 1966

October 22, 2007

The 34th anniversary of your tragic death was a few days ago. I'm sure the pain your loved ones feel is just as strong now as it was then. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your friends and family. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. To your son Carl, please remember this: You will NEVER be forgotten and FOREVER be a hero. Until we meet, keep "walking a beat on the Golden Street" and look after your brothers and sisters on earth. Some Judge decided not to make the man who killed you pay for his crime, but I am confident that God will.

DET SGT, Retired
Fayetteville, AR

July 17, 2007

Carl: It seems just like yesterday that I first met you at DOT in Tulsa 1989. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. We have both retired, and are entering a new phase of our lives. My son, William P. Peters III is now in his 4th year of service with the Muskogee Police Department (MUSKOGEE 511). I am very proud of him, and I know your Dad was and still is very proud of you. I lost my Dad in November of 1967, and not a day goes by without a thought about him. I have strived to make him proud of me, as I know you did so also. I wish that he could have known my Son, and it is comforting to know that he is "watching over" him. God be with you and your family. Bill Peters, retired DARE Officer from Enid Oklahoma.

Officer Bill Peters
Enid Public Schools Police Department

May 27, 2007

Jim, thank you for your Holiday wishes.

April 10, 2007

CARL,

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY EASTER.

OFFICER GLENN TRUMAN WORTHAM, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

April 4, 2007

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today, while thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,that an Angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,and said my place was ready, in heaven far above,and that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,He said, “This is eternity, and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.”

“But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free. So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?”

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

January 30, 2007

Dad, as Christmas nears I find myself thinking of you and how you enjoyed the holidays and how Christmas was Val's favorite holiday. She so enjoyed everything about Christmas. Now that Val is with you I know you are both enjoying your Christmas with Jesus. I will have tears this Christmas for many reasons but I will also have a smile on my face knowing that you are both in the arms of the Lord. I'm going to carry on our holidays and help the others with their grieving, for I have found my peace knowing Val is no longer hurting and is safe with you.

PS: Let Val know I got her message.

Your loving Son
Carl

December 21, 2006

God bless you Wortham family. May you continue to move forward in life and heal with the help of your family who were called to Heaven. Merry Christmas too all of you.

December 20, 2006

CARL,
FROM MY FAMILY AND I, TO YOU AND YOURS, OUR BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

OFFICER GLENN TRUMAN WORTHAM, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

December 18, 2006

Thinking of you and your precious family with love.

Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom
Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/04

December 10, 2006

Jim, thank you for your kind words. This will be a difficult holiday season, but I know my Dad is helping Val find her way around heaven and most likely they are enjoying all the football games. I have found peace and I'm getting my life in order. I too feel an attachement to those who have lost a family member or friend serving others. Only those who have loved and known a true public servent can understand the sacrifice and dedication they willing give without question. Those who are willing to give their life for others are the true saints.

Carl

December 6, 2006

CARL,
I LEFT A REFLECTION FOR YOUR DAD SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, AND YOU TOOK THE TIME TO RESPOND BACK TO ME ON YOUR FATHERS PAGE. I FELT VERY PROUD WHEN I READ YOUR RESPONSE. I FELT LIKE I MADE A NEW FRIEND, WITH JUST THE FEW WORDS THAT WERE EXCHANGED.
I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO COME BACK TO THE PAGE JUST TO SAY A FEW WORDS, TO KIND OF GIVE YOU A HISTORY AS TO WHY I, AS A CIVILIAN, VISIT THE ODMP, AND LEAVE REFLECTIONS FOR THE HEROES. I ALSO WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW OF THE KIND OF SPECIAL PLACE I HOLD IN MY HEART FOR WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE THE HEROES OF ALL HEROES, OUR AUXILIARY, SPECIAL, RESERVE OFFICERS, AND ANY OTHER NAMES THEY MAY BE KNOWN AS.
AS A CHILD GROWING UP, I WAS VERY CLOSE WITH MY GRANDFATHER. HE WAS A RESERVE OFFICER WITH THE WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY POLICE DEPARTMENT. I WOULD SIT FOR HOURS AS A YOUNGSTER LISTENING TO THE STORIES HE WOULD TELL ABOUT HIS ONE OR TWO NIGHTS A WEEK OUT ON PATROL. OR EVERY YEAR I MADE IT A POINT TO TALK ABOUT MISCHIEF NIGHT AND HALLOWEEN. HE NEVER MISSED ONE. MY FAVORITE, HOWEVER, WAS SEEING HIM EVERY SUNDAY MORNING ON HIS TRAFFIC POST DIRECTING TRAFFIC FOR THE CHURCH. I MADE IT A POINT TO TELL ALL OF MY FRIENDS THAT AT THE CORNER OF INMAN AVENUE AND DELAWARE AVENUE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, THAT WAS MY GRANDFATHER. I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM. HE PASSED AWAY IN 1975, AND I REMEMBER SO WELL THE TRIBUTE FOR HIM FROM THE POLICE RESERVES AT HIS FUNERAL.
WHAT MAKES THESE OFFICERS SO SPECIAL IS THAT THEY ARE JUST REGULAR PEOPLE, WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME FOR THEIR TOWNS. WITH NOT ONE PENNY FOR THEIR TIME, THEY GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES, WITH MOST TIMES NOT EVEN A THANK YOU. THEY TAKE THE SAME RISKS THAT THE PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS TAKE. THEY ARE CERTAINLY A SPECIAL BREED. I HIGHLY RESPECT ALL OF THEM. AND YOUR FATHER BEING ONE OF THEM. THE SACRIFICE HE MADE FOR HIS COMMUNITY, TRYING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
AND NOW, YOU'RE RETIRED, AND YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO GO TO THE ODMP SITE, AND LEAVE REFLECTIONS FOR EACH OFFICER THAT APPEARS HERE. I FEEL A CERTAIN TYPE OF BOND WITH YOU, AS I DO THE SAME. WHEN I LOG ON AND GO TO A NEW HEROES PAGE, I FIND MYSELF LOOKING FOR YOUR REFLECTION.
I LOGGED ON HERE TONIGHT, AND WAS VERY SADDENED TO SEE THAT YOU HAVE SUFFERED A LOSS. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL SAY A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN CHURCH TOMORROW. I ACTUALLY CAME TO TEARS WHEN I READ OF YOUR LOSS.
CARL, KEEP HONORING OUR HEROES, AND I WILL ALSO. THEY DESERVE IT, AND I KNOW THAT THE FAMILIES APPRECIATE IT, KNOWING THAT THEY DO NOT GRIEVE ALONE.

ALL MY BEST TO YOU

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

October 28, 2006

Officer Wortham,
Your son Carl visits this odmp site not out of morbid curiosity but out of a need to offer respects to other fallen heros. It was a great comfort to our family to read Carl's tribute to my dad, and I am confident that other families feel his arms around them as well. It is now time for you to comfort him as he grieves Val's passing.

Carl, our family reaches out to you in this time of sorrow. The strong faith your father passed to you allows you to know you will see Val and your father in the next life.

Thank you for all the kind words you post to officers' sites, and God bless you and be with you.

Brenda, daughter of Clifton Miller
Rossford, Ohio, P.D. EOW 05/14/1966

October 16, 2006

Dad, Val has joined you today. She passed peacefuly and strong in her faith. Watch over her.

Love
Your Son
Carl

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

October 12, 2006

I always wanted to meet you, Mitchell always wanted to meet you too. Papaw and Memaw would like to see you too. We all love you. You're the best police officer in the world. I wish you were alive.
Love, Garrison Wortham Your Great Grandson I'm 7

I really wish I could see you and meet you. I wish you here right now. I wish that guy had not kicked you in the heart. I love you, Mitchell Wortham Your Great Grandson I'm 10

I was adding a reflection to another officers page and the boys asked what I was doing. I explained and they both wanted to leave you the above reflections. You would be very proud of them.

Love,
Your Son Carl

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

August 8, 2006

On this date, 18 years ago, I too lost a good friend! In looking at the reflections, I always see the one you placed many years ago. Carl, you have been a great mentor and role model for many of us in D.A.R.E.! Your father has to be the proudest cop in heaven because of all the lives you have touched!
Miss you! Take care.
Ken

Sgt. Ken Brodrick
Miami Police Department

June 5, 2006

Michelle took pictures at the Memorial service of John and the boys placing the flower on the wreath. I'm sure glad she was there. We will treasure the pictures forever. You would enjoy knowing her she is a very good wife for John and a devoted Mother to Mitchell and Garrsion.


Love

Your Son

Carl

May 24, 2006

Today we (Mom, Val, John, Mitchell and Garrison) attended the Tulsa Police Memorial Service. It was so moving to see your Grandson and Great-Grandsons place the carnation on the memorial wreath when your name was called. They were escorted by a member of the Honor Guard as a short review of your passing was read. Lots of your old partners were there and many of our old friends. Your Grandson John will make certain that the tradition will be carried on long after I'm gone.

Love

Your son

Carl

May 6, 2006