Burl Whittington

Patrolman Burl Whittington was killed during a high-speed pursuit that began on South Broadway. He was conducting a special speed enforcement operation due to recent complaints about speeders. Patrolman Burl attempted to stop a car north of Hogg Junior High School but was led on a chase reaching 95 mph. His patrol car hit a dip in the road and went out of control on Old Bullard Road 200 yards south of the Jacksonville Highway. The vehicle struck a tree, causing Patrolman Whittington to suffer fatal injuries. Two juveniles were later arrested for their part in the chase and admitted that they were involved in a "hot rod" race. A 17-year-old was charged with speeding and two cases of failing to stop at stop signs. He paid $181.50 in fines for his traffic violations. Patrolman Whittington was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Tyler Police Department for 17 months.