Grace, this is not a soldier on active duty, but I would like to post it anyway, if I could. This is a 30-year-old Chicago police officer and Iraq veteran who was killed when a group of 4 men tried to steal his motor cycle. He lived in a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago with nice houses, families, and people who are truly concerned that the kids in their neighborhood stay out of trouble, get the best possible education, and have opportunities to succeed in life. It's just a very sad story.


This is from the Officer Down Memorial Page:
Police Officer Thomas E. Wortham IV
Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Thursday, May 20, 2010

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 11 months
Badge Number: 6181

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Officer Thomas Wortham was shot and killed after identifying himself as a police officer when four suspects 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. As he was leaving, four men approached and attempted to rob him of his motorcycle. 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, killing one and seriously wounding another. The remaining two suspects fled in a vehicle, but were taken into custody the following day.

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