Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was 8 years old at the time, and I just remember the initial shock, and the the overwhelming support. Officers from near and far showed up for the funeral, including from Canada. A moment in history when community truly bonded. I still see officer Norcross around. 2 amazing heroes. Tragic day that we will always remember.

John Sauls
Life long resident of Palmyra and Sacred Heart Church

November 5, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

January 14, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Whitelock.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 24, 2019

Tom was a great Police Officer and very dedicated to his Town and Job. You could always depend on Tom to assist you if needed for a back-up. He is still missed.

Ptlm: John R. Adams
Palmyra P.D.

January 15, 2016

Tom,
The service that was done for you was heartwarming........

Lt. Norcross, you are a great man!!

Rest in Peace Ptl. Whitelock.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Mount Holly Police Special Officer.

July 25, 2012

I would like to say that Riverton Police Department and the borough Honored Officer Whitelock on June 2, 2012 by erecting a memorial stone in the center of the small community for all to see. For my father who was shot in the incident it brought him closure. For me it was an honor to meet Officer Whitelock's son who was also just over a year old at the time of the incident. We got to honor two great heros and to great police officers. We got to hear the events from my Father, Ret. Lt. Howard Norcross and I can say it brought chills to me and all that were in attendance.
Chief Shaw, I would like to thank you for the great job you and your department did.

Bryan Norcross,
Son of Ret. Lt. Norcross
Past Riverton Boroug Police Officer

Sheriff's Officer Bryan Howard Norcross
Burlington County Sheriff's Dept.

June 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never dimishes respect and your memory wili always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Your brother in blue who wrote so movingly about the night of your murder is proof of how vivid the details stay with those who were involved.

Rest In Peace

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

January 14, 2012

Officer Whitelock, I did not know you as I was only 1 years old in 1976, but have heard many good things about you. You will never be forgotten by me or my family. Rest in peace.

Ptl. Bryan Norcross
Lumberton Police Department
Prior Riverton P.D. Officer

PTL.
Lumberton Twp. Police Department

March 24, 2010

Rest in peace Tom. It was a pleasure working with you and knowing you. I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch conversations and was impressed with your dedication to your family and to Riverton. We were an odd pair...the young hippie kid and the not-much-older patrolman. Such a tragic waste that you were taken from us and your family.

steve moorhouse
former riverton resident

May 15, 2008

Rest in peace Ptl. Whitelock, you will never be forgotten, for your service and dedication. Anyone who reads this please remember what Butch went through that day, he should remain forever in our prayers also, the two of them are great men.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New Jersey Cop

January 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 5, 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

December 12, 2007

Ptl. Whitelock, you are gone but you will never be forgetten, you have a wonderful Daughter and family ....Gina you and your family have been in my prayers for years.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex- New Jersey Cop

November 28, 2007

Skipper,
You are in my thoughts daily. You are my hero and live in the memories of my children Farid, Mohamed, Karen and Ramsey. Olivia, Thomas and Alexander( Karen's children) are learning about your life and bravery. We love you and you'll always be with us. Barbara Jean

Barbara Jean Whitelock Kazem
Sister

June 24, 2007

I will never forget turning left on Broad Street after croosing the tracks and John Quigg telling me you had been killed and "Butch" (Howard Norcross) was wounded and at Zurbrugg memorial Hospital in Riverside. The only good thing was that we were spared a trial of your killer. I think of you everytime I hear of a knife wielding suspect or an officer murdered with his or her own weapon.

Ed Michaels

March 17, 2007

May Our Lord bless you.

January 14, 2007

I salute one of our town and nation's fallen heroes. You are remembered Officer Whitelock..Rest in Peace sir.

Louis Vennell
Largo, Fl(former Delran,NJ resident)

January 14, 2006

It has been 30 years, but you have not been forgotten. Your presence was felt when yet again, police officers from our two communities responded as one and risked their lives together in the line of duty. Thank you for looking after them all. Rest in peace Patrolman Whitelock.

Mayor John Gural
Borough of Palmyra

December 16, 2005

Rest in peace my brother.

Police Officer
Burlington Township PD

October 19, 2004

Tommy you were a great friend when we rode together on the Palmyra Ambulance Asso. You were a great insperation to those who knew you, may your memory continue to inspire others to follow in your footsteps and may God bless those who you left behind at such a young age when you answered the ultimate call to duty. I know I am a better person for having known you.

Master Deputy Sheriff Bernie Young
Union County Sheriff's Office, Monroe NC

September 7, 2003

You are not forgotten! We will continue to do the job in your honor and in memory of you and all of the men and women who laid down their lives so that we could live in a civilized society. We are stronger because of you. Rest in peace.

Ptlm. M.W. Ludlow
Palmyra Bor PD

Forever in our hearts and mind. Sadly missed by you family, fellow Officers and the residents of the Borough of Riverton New Jersey

Chief Robert G. Norcross
Riverton Police Department

Rest in Peace Officer Whitelock

P.O. Marc Dore'
NYPD