CHICAGO — In a heartfelt tribute on Wednesday, a fallen Chicago police officer was remembered 16 years after his tragic passing.
Officer Thomas Wortham lost his life at the hands of attempted robbers, a tragedy that left a deep mark on the community.
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Today, his legacy remains strong, continuing to inspire those who knew him.
In a touching ceremony, fellow officers gathered at the intersection where Wortham was killed to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
The city has now designated a portion of 85th Street and King Drive in the Chatham neighborhood to bear his name, honoring Officer Thomas Wortham IV.
The commemorative event was attended by Wortham’s family and the Chicago police superintendent, who were present to witness the unveiling of the new street sign.
Sandra Wortham is the executive board president for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, and she is among Chicago Gold Star Families.
She’s also Officer Wortham’s sister.
“Watching my parents age without their son, that really breaks my heart. Because they deserve to have their son,” Sandra Wortham said.
In 2010, Wortham was at his parents’ home when four men tried to steal his motorcycle. Wortham was shot in the stomach and run over. His father, who was a retired police sergeant, shot one of the suspects.
Wortham had just returned from his second tour to Iraq with the National Guard.
“I remember everything from that night, the next day, coming back to the house, in that regard. It feels like yesterday,” Sandra Wortham said.
A playground on the block is also named for Officer Wortham.
Sandra Wortham says she is grateful the city will honor her brother with a street name, but she wants the reminders of her brother to inspire action to prevent violence.
“I know Thomas would say, ‘thanks for the sign, but what else are you all doing?’” Sandra Wortham said. “I want us to act so that we don’t have more funerals, so that we don’t have more Thomases. That would bring me some sort of comfort and believe for my parents, as well, even in our loss. It is my prayer that in my lifetime I will see this city that I love exercise our options to live safely, all of us. And I think that would be the best way to honor my brother.”
Sandra Wortham said she will never forget how many people supported her family. So she is there for other families at the funerals of fallen officers, like so many Gold Star Families.
But she would prefer a safer city with fewer funerals for civilians and officers.
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