Headstone of Thomas Charles Whitelock
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Thomas Charles Whitelock

1976

Thomas C. Whitelock served the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Thomas served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Thomas Whitelock was shot and killed when responding to a report of a mentally unstable individual wielding a knife. 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 police officer was off-duty and responded 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. Then the suspect aimed the gun at Patrolman Whitelock and shot him in the chest killing him. The other officer 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. Patrolman Whitelock had served with the Riverton Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
Thomas Charles Whitelock
Thomas Charles Whitelock
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1963 – 1967
Vietnam War Cold War
Also Served
Riverton Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtptpv24jnxdk5x27q917
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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