Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Frank Warren Whitby, Jr.

Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Sunday, May 5, 1974

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Frank Warren Whitby, Jr.

I have just discovered that you're a distant cousin to me. I want to thank you for your service & duty to the people of Baltimore. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. I wholeheartedly extend my deepest sympathy to all the family.

Bro. Koby L. McCarty
Distant Family Member

October 2, 2024

Officer Whitby,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Baltimore. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 5, 2024

RIP; Frank
I only wish the city and county would have purchase the vest you gave me to test, it test good and my report stated so. I returned the tested vest to you brother on my department. it shock me when your shooting was on the nest.
Thanks Frank for you service..

Detective Jerry brown
Baltimore County Police Bomb Squad

March 19, 2024

RIP: Frank

Detective Jerry brown
Baltimore County Police Bomb Squad

March 19, 2024

Bless you Frank. Rest in peace. I was in the Academy when you were taken. Though we never met just know our thoughts and prayers were there. RIP sir

Officer Steve Powell
BPD seq # 3582

June 3, 2020

As Debbie Pasternak Coyle and I prepare for the 50th Anniversary of our High School Graduation we reflect on both knowing you in high school. You and Debbie dated briefly and I was lucky enough to win her heart. Who would have guessed that I would go on to take up Law Enforcement also. You have two fine daughters. Dottie ,who followed you into Law Enforcement, had a wonderful career. I was fortunate to work with her for several years. Frannie is a very wonderful young woman also. As you look down on us you need not worry about them they are both strong Women. You are missed but will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Charles R. Coyle Retired

Sgt. C. R. Coyle Retired
Baltimore County Police Department

August 31, 2019

Dad I know you are with me. When I need to be strong I feel you at my back. I can hear you saying you are a Whitby. I know we will meet one day again and I will get to hear your voice finally.
You are so missed.

Love Frannie

Frannie Whitby
Daughter

May 5, 2019

This time. of year hits hard....Love, Me, Your Daughter

Dottie Dupree, Daughter/Retired BCoPD
Daughter

April 29, 2019

Another year has passed, will never forget. I can still see your smile and hear your laughter. Give mom a hug from me. love you brother

Tami Whitby Scott
lil sis

April 6, 2018

I remember that day well. I was assigned the original call of “Discharge of Firearms/Gunfire” that day patrolling Unit 332. I had to respond from the Falls Road garage after refueling my vehicle. The call was then broadcasted on the city wide band as I pulled up to Lanvale Street as “Discharge of Firearms”.

I remember going to the front door and knocking on it by myself (no backup units were available from my sector). As I was walking off of the front porch, Frank pulled up. He was the first back up unit to arrive. He exited the vehicle, grabbed the shotgun out of the trunk and I distinctly remembered his jacket opened as he had placed the shotgun on his hip while walking. I made a fast joke about him looking like John Wayne and then told Frank I’d go around to the alley and check it out. I initially thought it was as BS call.

It couldn’t have been more than a minute or two I saw him drop in the alley having been shot.

I always reflect on that day. Why they didn’t answer the door when I knocked on it, yet answer it a minute later shooting and ultimately killing Frank, I will never know. Luck I guess.

I knew Frank from Kenwood High School. I was the police officer that went and picked up his wife to bring to Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was a fearless warrior that was always the first in and had your back, always.

James Renner (quit department 1979)
Unit that was assigned the original call.

December 27, 2017

I have been thinking about you so much. Maybe it’s all of the things going on in my life lately and how I wish I had my dad to talk to about them. I am so comforted knowing that you will always be on the other side for me. You would be so proud of Sarah. She will be off to college soon and she is such a wonderful daughter. And Tyler I understand is a lot like
You with his wit and humor. Everyday I think about what happened to you and how horrible it had to be. Your partner’s daughter reached out to me recently. She told me that he always said it should have been him. He also told her about that horrible day so many times. He passed in July so I am sure the two of you have reunited. So many people remember you and that horrible day. You are always going to be remembered for the brave heroic man that you were. I will always be proud to talk about my dad. I miss having you in my life. No words can explain it and no one can understand it. You have my love forever Dad!

Frannie Whitby
Daughter

December 10, 2017

I have been thinking about you so much. Maybe it’s all of the things going on in my life lately and how I wish I had my dad to talk to about them. I am so comforted knowing that you will always be on the other side for me. You would be so proud of Sarah. She will be off to college soon and she is such a wonderful daughter. And Tyler I understand is a lot like
You with his wit and humor. Everyday I think about what happened to you and how horrible it had to be. Your partner’s daughter reached out to me recently. She told me that he always said it should have been him. He also told her about that horrible day so many times. He passed in July so I am sure the two of you have reunited. So many people remember you and that horrible day. You are always going to be remembered for the brave heroic man that you were. I will always be proud to talk about my dad. I miss having you in my life. No words can explain it and no one can understand it. You have my love forever Dad!

Frannie Whitby
Daughter

December 10, 2017

Officer Whitby I never had the honor of meeting you. However, I remember reading of your heroic actions in 1974 while I was a senior in high school and being inspired to become a police officer. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. I have had the honor to meet and work with your daughter Dottie. Rest in peace Brother.

Cpl. Bruce Lohr, Retired
Howard County PD

May 19, 2016

On this, the 42nd anniversary of your death, we still remember you for your bravery. My friend and academy classmate. May your rest with St, Michael and all the angels in heaven. You are never forgotten.

David Eastman, retired police officer
Baltimore Police Department

May 5, 2016

thinking of you and missing you ..time will never change the love of a little sister for her big brother

Tami
little sister

April 6, 2016

Well hey there Frank you are going to be a great grandfather. You probably knew this before I did. You know what just went on in Harford County ripped my heart out because no matter how much time has passed it never gets any easier. You asked me to take care of our girls on May 5, 1974 before you left to go home with Jesus. I have done my best and I am sure you are proud. They miss their Dad and were cheated growing up without you but I know you are very proud of them. I have been told heaven is better than here and I have faith that you are happy. I wrote a letter for Frannie about our last days together and it was very emotional for me. The girls deserve to know as much about you as I can provide. I know we will all be together again soon.
Love
Betty

RN Betty
Widow/wife

February 17, 2016

Today I think about you on the anniversary of your death. Why does it seem to get harder each year for me? Maybe the older I get the more I realize how much I missed out on by not having my father. Forty-one years almost as long as my time on earth but you have been gone that long. You didn't even know me really. How much can you really know a 6 month old baby? What I wouldn't give to hear your voice just once? Maybe I have made you larger than life because it seems like the only thing to do when you were stolen from me and mom and Dottie. Today I looked around and was wondering if you were sitting next to me, if you were proud of me and your grandchildren. Today I wondered so many things. What would my life have been like if you were not taken away from me? I know that I will never have those answers, but I know that we will see each other again. I just hope you recognize me since I am not that little baby anymore. I will always be proud to call you my Dad. I will never let you be forgotten. Just know that today and everyday, you are in my thoughts and I will always miss what I never had, my dad. Somehow on that day May 5, 1974, a piece of a 6 month old baby died with you. You will always have my love and admiration! Until we meet again.

Frannie Whitby-DiNatale
Daughter

May 5, 2015

Officer Frank Whitby,

I worked with your two brothers and your daughter. All are first rate officers.

You would be proud of your daughter, she is a will liked Sergeant and does an excellent job working with her officers. She's covering the watch brother!!!!

Captain (Retired) Tom Busch
Baltimore County

May 1, 2015

This was my cousin a fine police office. He was starting a career on the Baltimore police department, I was starting a career as a federal firefighter. He was one of my favorite cousins, it was one of the hardest times in my life. We where young and following his uncles, of witch one was my dad, they where both police officers. Many of our family have gone to become Police and Firefighters. I miss you Frank And wish we could grow old together. RIP your cousin Wayne.

Federal Firefighterer Retired
Federal Government

May 1, 2015

today marks another year since the shooting, so senseless, even after 41 years it doesn't get easier. Whom ever said time heals all wounds didn't know what he/she was talking about. No matter how old I get, every year on this day I turn into that 13 year old whose life changed so dramatically at 1:30 pm with a phone call.

Frankie, I know your life was short but I always smile when I think of how you lived. Im certain you are watching over Dottie & Frannie and their families...they are making you proud!

I miss having my big brother around to turn to. Ill always be asking what if this had never happen how our lives would have been different.

I know we will see each other again, just know you are loved.

Tami
sister

April 6, 2015

I was Franks Sgt & neighbor & pall bearer.. My wife and I stayed with him at Hopkins Hosp. til the end. I was there when he passed. We all had hoped and prayed that he would survive but god said otherwise. He was a gutsy kid who was afraid of nothing. Sad that a young man with two young kids had to die by the hands of a scum bag.
That's Law Enforcement!

retired Sgt Dave Maguire
BCPD

January 2, 2014

hey big brother,

what I wouldn't give to have a sit down conversation with you right now. love and miss you

Tami
lil sis

October 28, 2013

I was a naïve and arrogant 21 year old rookie when I took some of (Officer Frank) "Whitby's" post in the winter of 1974. [It was covered by 4th squad (operations) on the evening shift.] As my elders said at the time, "And Whitby KNEW what he was doing," as they jabbed their finger at me. So, remembering the story of what happened in that row house made me a better police officer. I never forgot that carrying the shotgun did not make you safe. And I never forgot that he pushed his partner out of the line of fire. And I always kindda felt Whitby-- though I never knew him-- had my back... an invisible older brother. I sure as hell needed one. And, so do the cocky young officers I counsel today. For all the saints, Frank. You are still teaching.

A short serving police agent
Former BPD - Now Episcopal priest

September 17, 2013

Well, it has been a while since I posted, but I feel the need today. Do me a favor Dad, put your wings around our fallen brother, Jason Schneider. Have him smile down on all of us, and reassure him that we'll take it from here.

Sergeant Dottie Dupree
Daughter/Baltimore County PD

August 28, 2013

Frank, I still remember that day when the call came out. It seemed like yesterday when everybody in Eastern District showed to help you. I have always regretted that one of us had not got there sooner to take Mr. James out before he shot you. Frank, you are often on my mind and I pray for your family. God Bless you Frank.

Cpl. Gary E. Mitchell - Harford County Sheriff's Office
February 1, 2013

Police Agent Gary E. Mitchell
Baltimore City Police (retired 6/22/92)

February 1, 2013

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.