Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Detective William Thomas Whitehead

Jacksonville Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Thursday, May 28, 1981

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Detective William Thomas Whitehead

Det. Whitehead,

Today, on the 43rd anniversary of your death, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your service and sacrifice—not only for the Jacksonville community but also for our country during your time with the USMC in the Vietnam War. Your bravery is remembered, and your legacy endures. To your family and loved ones, I offer my deepest sympathy.

Anonymous
Beulaville, North Carolina

September 18, 2024

Riley Alman

September 18, 2024

Det. Whitehead,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Leo; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 28, 2021

I cannot understand how one of the two suspects is out of jail after committing such a heinous crime against one of Americas LEO’s. I won’t focus on that and the crooked and broken justice system we have, and I obviously don’t mean that the way our politicians and activists today mean it when they scream about it but rather by virtue of the fact that some one like one of these suspects can be out of jail already. Rather, I’ll focus on the heroism and sacrifice that this true hero made on that day and the thoughts, prayers and love we will always show him and honor him with everyday. Detective Whitehead, thank you for both your military and police service and always know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 7, 2020

Rest in peace Detective Whitehead.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 10, 2019

Semper Fi Marine.

Constable Robert Cauthon
PA State Constable

October 13, 2018

You served and protected so many and we are greatful. Now we as a community will protect your memory and honorable service.
I have sent an email requesting denial of parole for the evil monster that took you from your wife, children and community.
Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, you will not be forgotten. God bless your family both blood and blue.
#voicefordetectivewhitehead
#noparoleforcopkillers

Angela Calhoun
Proud Law Enforcement supporter

April 25, 2018

To the family, friends and colleagues of Detective William Whitehead: I am honored to have mailed my "NO PAROLE LETTER" today. It broke my heart when I read about this senseless and horrific murder. Please know that his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I am sorry that you have to keep reliving this nightmare every time there is another Parole hearing. I pray that the only parole granted will be "toe-tag parole". God Bless you all!

Allie
Supporter of Law Enforcement
Wife of Corrections Deputy

September 11, 2017

Bill, you are always thought of and missed. There are a couple of Memorial sites where you and Terry Lanier are remembered and I visit those and reflect on your service to the community and our friendship. One of your killers is still in prison and we always send opposition to his release each parole hearing. Another comes up December 1, 2016. Asking all to send a letter in again. The murder of an officer should automatically be either death or prison with no chance of parole. You are forever in our hearts.

Jean Britt
Jacksonville Police Department

September 21, 2016

Det. Whitehead,
Sir, even though it's been 34 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your a Community but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC during the Vietnam War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO/former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 28, 2015

My "No Parole for Cop Killer" letter went out today. Prayers to the family, friends, and co-workers of Detective Whitehead who no doubt still grieve his death.

Sr. Ptlmn (Retired) Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

April 24, 2015

To Detective Whitehead and family my parole letter is being mailed. I hope others will do the same this Inmate should never be released ever. God Bless the Whitehead family.

Former Sgt. Joe Covington M/C, Unit 4926
Corpus Christi Police Department

April 24, 2015

My Letter has went out today my brother of the Badge, No Parole for Cop Killers. God Bless your Family, Friends and Department.

Retired Police Officer Bob Reed
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

April 23, 2015

You are so right Carole this killer never needs to get out!!

Tom Fairley
Former Bay St Louis Police Dept.

April 23, 2015

Alice Byer, one of the killers turned state's evidence, hence the short sentence. But at least we've still got the other one behind bars. For those who wrote letters, good news. He was denied parole, but we suspect he will come back up for a parole review again in a few months. Friends, family and fellow officers will fight this until he dies in jail. But we who knew him appreciate the support all of you have given the effort to keep this prisoner in prison where he belongs. Bill was truly one of the sweetest, most gentle men I have ever known and his death at the hands of these thugs left a hole in our community that will never be filled.

Carole Moore
Former JPD officer

January 16, 2015

What I don't understand is how one of them is already out of jail. Apparent to all, they did this together. It would have taken 2 people to throw him into that river. It's sad when justice is not done especially when he was trying to help an underage teenager who was assaulted. Where is the justice? And to those of you who read this the next time you see an officer wave and if you get the chance to speak tell him/her what a great job they do. If only we would see that Police Officers are here to serve and protect and not the ones who want to harm us. Just because you break the law and may get a ticket does not mean that Police officer is bad...he's just doing his job. We all must reflect on the loss of one who only wants to help. And that justice is done.

Alice Bryner
Disabled Veteran

January 15, 2015

Bill I think of you often and how much everyones lives changed the day we lost you to evil. Ive wanted to replace those memories with the good ones of you ,Denny Denota and Mike Carney ,what an awesome team you guys were! I will be forever greatful for your wisdom and guidance. I've chosen to remember in great detail the day you were taken from us and to Honor your sacrifice....To protect and to serve. No Parole for cop killer.

Betsy Baker/Former Police Officer JPD
Jacksonville Police Department/Former Police Officer

October 23, 2014

I have sent a letter to the parole board in honor of your sacrifice.

Police Officer
Oakland PD CALIFORNIA

September 3, 2014

I will send a letter this morning the person who killed this detective should be in jail forever.

Matt Makaveli
Supporter of Law Enforcement

August 29, 2014

I did not have the opportunity to meet you; however, my "NO PAROLE FOR COP KILLERS" letter was mailed today. We must stand tall for all who served, those who serve today, and those who will serve in the future.

Captain W. Alex Setzer
New Bern Police Department

August 28, 2014

My letter is on the way. I pray that parole will be denied.

Leanne Heggen Eckstein
Surviving wife of SA E.M. Heggen, USACIDC

August 28, 2014

NO PAROLE FOR COP KILLERS! EVER! The letter takes less than a minute to print. It will cost you for a stamp and an envelope, but it's value goes far beyone that! The second suspect was out in 7 years! This man was sentenced to LIFE in prison! Help to keep him there!

Sgt. Barbara L. Beland (Ret)
Monroe Co. Sheriff's Office

August 28, 2014

I mailed a "No Parole" letter for you today.

JOHN YOCKACHONIS
Grateful Civilian

August 28, 2014

My No Parole letter is going out to day sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, may you rest in peace. God bless the family, friends, and former co-workers of this hero during this time of re-opening a horrible wound.

Sr. Ptlmn/K-9 Hndlr Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

August 28, 2014

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!! My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

August 28, 2014

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