Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

This post may surprise your daughter Dottie because it is something I have never said to her. When you were killed in the line of duty I was a fairly new police officer with just 5 months on the road in Baltimore County. Each time any officer was killed I made it my mission to learn as much about the officer and the circumstances. Somewhere along the early part of my career someone instilled the sense of value in not only honoring the officer in that way but to learn from what happened to heighten my own senses and instinct as I went through my years as a police officer. Well I made it safely and now have two son's , a daughter in law and son in law on the job. My son, Joe was fortunate to have your daughter Dottie as his supervisor in the early part of his career as a police officer. You will be proud to know that Dottie is a highly respected supervisor who takes care of her officers. You have enhanced the police profession by your example of care and concern for fellow officers. This is a lesson that all generations can learn from. Your sacrifice has absolutely left an indelible mark on all who knew or learned about you and the standard you set.

Colonel, retired, Dennis M. Robinson
Baltimore County Police Department

January 19, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 38th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. I thank your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 6, 2012

Hey You,
Thanks to your dear sister Tami, there is now a picture of you in my office. It is so funny when people think you are my brother and Franky (my son) is my husband. Thanks for the DNA Dad, and thanks for sitting on my shoulder at work to whisper in my ear and get me home every day to my family! Tomorrow, May 5th, I have to work so sit on both shoulders and whisper in both ears please. I wish I could have done that for you on 4/6/74! Either way, I AM PROUD OF WHAT YOU DID THAT DAY!!!!!!!
Love,
Dottie

Sergeant Dottie Dupree
DAUGHTER BCoPD

May 4, 2012

38 years Frankie since that phone call came with the news that you had been shot, 38 years almost to the minute

I know you and Mom are together now looking after us. You would be proud of your girls..here you are a grandfather of 5 and Im expecting my first grandbaby in June.

You are always in my heart..til we meet again love

Tami
loving sister

April 6, 2012

I just found this site. I interacted with Officer Whitby on a few occasions while I was with the Baltimore City Police Crime Lab. I'll never forget the tears that came to my eyes when I read the article by Mrs. Whitby after he was shot. May he continue to rest in peace.

Crime Lab technician Ernest J. Bouyoucas
Mobile Unit Crime lab

March 31, 2012

Hey Dad,
Wow, it's been awhile! I figured I would give you an update. Well, the grands are all doing great! I hit forty in June, yeah old! I climbed in the Department but have an awesome job that I love dearly and may keep me a bit safer than patrol! Anyway, my life is so blessed and I thank you for watching over!!!!!! By the way, Mom and Frannie are doing well, and so are Hoss and Tami! Maybe you can bring them back together? I'll talk with you very soon!

I LOVE YOU DAD,
Dottie

Daughter....Sgt. Dottie Dupree
Daughter.... Baltimore County P.D.

August 12, 2011

Well, every once in awhile I feel like I need to look at your picture while I talk. People might think I'm crazy but I was simply cheated! Anyway, I hope I have made you proud, and God I wish I would have had the chance to call you DAD, afterall it is obvious you could have never denied me! Well, I want to thank you so much for obviously being my "guardian angel in Heaven", and for the good looks....hahahahahahahaha! By the way, you could have taken the big butt with you...lol! Now I will simply say thanks for the cop dna because it is some seriously honorable stuff! And just so you know, Mom is very happy with Harry, and I think he is awesome! Frannie is also doing great! You have five grandchildren, each one being very unique, to say the least! I look at your picture here and see myself! My husband, Frank, is awesome! He is my bestfriend, and a true conservative! Mom and Harry love him, and so would you! Well, I am running out of writing room. Love, miss, and am proud of you Dad! Dottie

Sgt. Dorothy E. Dupree (formerly Whitby)
Daughter 1st, and then Baltimore County PD

October 28, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 5, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Whitby.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

I trained Officer Whitby from the day he got out of the Academy. He remained my partner till the day he was injured. He was a devoted family man, and a very proud parent. My he rest in Peace. My sympathy to his wife and family. Your Partner ( Mike De Haven )

Officer Michael H. De Haven
Partner ( Eastern District )

June 26, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY FOR THE HERO THAT YOU ARE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 6, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 7, 2007

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 5, 2007

Thirty-three years has come and gone. Your memory still lives on in the hearts of those who knew you. Rest easy, Officer Whitby. Watch over your brothers and sisters in blue - the thin blue line is getting thinner each day.

P.S. Say hello to a fellow Marylander- Officer Luke Hoffman (EOW: 4/27/2007).

Wife of a Maryland officer

May 5, 2007

Frank and I were in the police academy together. He was always so full of life and laughter. Although I was shocked when he was shot, it did not surpise me that he pushed his partner to safety. That's just what kind of guy he was. Frank refused to give in to his injuries and I remember the long lines at the hospital to donate blood. Even while he suffered, he served his brother officers by pulling us closer together. Rest in peace, Frank!

Retired Office Dave Eastman
Baltimore Police Department

March 25, 2007

My Dearest Brother

How I miss you- There isn't a day that passes when you are not in my thoughts.

I choose my career because of you. Twenty seven years so far of trying so hard each and every day to send enough units to handle the emergency calls for service so each and every officer is allowed to return safely home to their family at the end of the shift. Most officers think just a voice on the radio giving me calls-I'm glad they don't know the heartache I have when I send them on calls - even at times your little Dottie.

As family dynamics change, I know you have heard me say over the years Frank this is your job; I'm just the little sister, I don't know what to do. You give me strength when I ask myself what would Frankie do.

I sit here today watching the tv news, another policeman is being buried today in Baltimore- its as if I have lost you all over again.

I have a framed peom on the wall in my house next to your picture. I wish I knew who wrote it

A Part of America Died

Somebody killed a policeman today
And a part of America died...
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he had gone off to war;
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast
To his name they will add a gold star.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court
With counsel demanding his rights,
While a young, widowed mother must work for her kids
And spend many long, loely nights.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today...
Maybe in your town or mine,
While we slept in the comfort behind our locked doors
A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks the beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side;
He answered the call... of himself gave his all,
And a part of America died..


I love you, my brother
til we meet again

Tami M. Whitby-Scott
Dispatcher-BAL CO, MD PD more important: Sister

January 16, 2007

Hi, This is the first time I guess I've formally talked with you. God do I thank Jesus for you and Mom. I realize that things may not have always been great for you and my mother , but I want you to know that she did really good with Frannie and me, and I know you loved us all!!!!! I read what both Mom and Frannie wrote to you, and I guess I just want to reiterate everything they said! I need to add more though.....I love you my father, and I wish I had the chance to know you!!!!!!! A few years ago I was able to help my wonderful husband reunite with his wonderful father. He was a great man who we grew to love and I only wish that I had that chance with you. I have given you three grandchildren, one boy and two girls, who I know you would adore. I always tell them how odd it is that Mom always says that Frannie and I are so much like you!!!! I guess that DNA is strange huh??? By the way my boy is named Frank (partly after my husband and after you.... Frannie's little guy Tyler looks just like you!) Well Dad, I hope you'll always be proud of Mom and your two girls, along with the grandbabies!
As I sit here typing this message I stare at your picture and realize how much I miss you! It's amazing to me how so many people in this world have the opportunity to be blessed with being close to their loved ones and choose to walk away! I truly believe that you understand what I would give for five minutes with you, my Dad!!!!!!!
Please always know that you and Mom are both my heroes in life, and I am so proud of you both! I love you both, and I'm honored to call you Mom and Dad!!!! Mom's happy by the way, and I'm sure you have a little to do with that!
Thanks for being my GUARDIAN ANGEL ON THE STREET MY FATHER IN BLUE...I Love You, Dottie

Officer Dorothy E. Whitby-Dupree
Baltimore County Police

April 18, 2006

Today is April 6, 2006 32 years after you were gun down in the line of duty. Even though you are missed dearly by many people I just want to let you know you have two wonderful and beautiful daughters. You can be very proud to be their Dad. Even though you are not visible to them you are in their hearts and always have been. You have five wonderful grandchildren who may not know your face, but your traits and ways are there. We had a short life together and I need to thank you for the children you gave me. You asked me to take care of our children before you left and I want you to know I did my best and I hope you are proud. I know that someday we will all be together again. Your smile is gone but your memory will always linger on. I thank God for putting you in my life even though it was for such a short time. Love from your high school sweetheart, Betty

Betty (Whitby) Culpepper

April 6, 2006

I was six months old when my dad was killed. For everyone who has a lost someone in this manner without having the chance to know them, we are like a secret society that no one else can even begin to understand. I believe that my dad was a brave man that put his life on the line for people that he didn't even know. I believe that my dad would be proud of how his two daughters turned out and the great job that my mom did as a single parent at such a young age. I am sure that he continues to smile when he sees us and his beautiful grandchildren that were also robbed of their grandfather.

To my dad--there is not a day that goes by in my life, not one single day, that I do not think about you. So many people take their parents for granted...when I would give anything to have one day with you. Just one day to make a single memory to carry with me. When I got to an age that I could understand what had happened to you, it was a tough day. I still remember reading every newspaper article that my mom saved for me. My entire life I have heard how much I act like you so I guess part of me feels like I do know you. I am very proud of you for being the hero that you will always be to so many people, and I will continue to think of you everyday for the rest of my life until I get to see you again.
Love you forever, your daughter Frannie

Frances (Whitby) DiNatale
Daughter

January 21, 2006

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, May 5, 2005 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Police Officer Frank Warren Whitby Jr., who died in the line of duty on this date 31 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Whitby's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

May 5, 2005

Frank, I didn't know you. I was still in high school when you gave your life to protect your partner. I'm just writing this to say I met your daughter Dotty a few nights ago. She is a very fine police officer with Baltimore County. In fact, she just finished field training my son Justin at the Parkville Precinct. Small world. Just thought you would be proud to know you did okay.

Detective Mike Warnick
Baltimore Police Department

February 15, 2005

One of my current supervisor's was telling me about when he had worked with the Balt. City P.D. back in the 70's, his partner, Frank Whitby, was shot and killed. God Bless officer Whitby and his family that was left without a father, husband and friend......he was and is a true hero for his actions in pushing his partner to safety. Officer Whitby died 20 days before I was even born, I know his family stills grieves. God Bless!!!!!

DFC. Matthew Crisafulli
W.C.S.O.

DFC. Matt Crisafulli
Worcester County Sheriffs Office