Two Years Later: Carolyn Wortham Remembers Fallen Son
This Saturday marks the two year anniversary of the shooting death of Officer Thomas Wortham IV. He was gunned down in front of his parents home in the Chatham neighborhood on the night of May 19, 2010 after an attempted robbery.
Ofc. Wortham served the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years and worked in the Englewood communitys 7th District. He had recently returned home from his second tour of duty in Iraq while serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Affectionately called Tommy by those who knew him best, Worthams slaying was another gripping reminder of the crime that stifles Chicagos neighborhoods.
Carolyn Wortham recently told the Chicago Citizen that her son always wanted a career in public service. He was also an ardent community advocate.
Ofc. Wortham did not like the direction his childhood community was headed, according to his mother and wanted to help restore the neighborhood to its glory days. He wanted kids to enjoy the Chatham he and his sister loved as children.
Wortham and his sister, Sandra, grew up during Chathams height as an African-American mecca for middle class families.
Their parents, Thomas Wortham III is a Chicago police retired sergeant and Mrs. Wortham is an retired educator.
Ofc. Wortham mentored at a local school when his work scheduled allowed and at the time of his murder he had begun working with a youth ministry for young men at the familys church, Trinity United Church of Christ.
However, among Ofc. Worthams greatest community efforts was working to restore Cole Park, a place he explored and enjoyed as a child.
There were so many things about that park that he did not like, Mrs. Wortham told the Chicago Citizen. He began attending Cole Park Advisory Council meetings and then eventually became its president.
Prior to his death, Ofc. Wortham had been traveling which included a visit to an annual police memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the lives of officers killed in the line of duty. He had also run a race and wore the star number of Alex Valadez, a very good friend and fallen officer on his back.
On, the night of Worthams murder, he was at his parents home enthusiastically showing them pictures from his travels.
He had dinner with us and was on his way home, Mrs. Wortham said holding back tears. We had a really nice conversation and night together.
Before walking out of his parents home, Mrs. Wortham said her son turned to his father and said Dad, I had the time of my life last week.
After that, her husband walked their son to the door, something they always do when their children leave the house.
Moments later she heard her husband yell, Call the police, theyre trying to rob him.
During the scuffle, Ofc. Wortham was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the abdomen.
Mr. Wortham, a retired Chicago police sergeant, witnessed the shooting and exchanged shots with the suspects. One was killed; another was seriously wounded while the two remaining males fled in a vehicle. All three surviving suspects have been charged with first-degree murder and are awaiting trial.
Mrs. Wortham says that her family is hopeful the trial will not take too long and that those responsible for her sons death will pay for what theyve done.
Ofc. Wortham would want to be remembered as someone who loved to have fun and always tried to do the right thing, his mother told the Chicago Citizen.
What he wanted ultimately is for all kids to enjoy the same childhood that he and his sister did, she said.
After Worthams death, the Chicago Park District informed the family they were interested in honoring his life.
They offered to build a new play lot and they (asked) our family be instrumental in picking out the equipment, Mrs. Wortham said. They did a fantastic job in terms of landscaping and making it a calm, peaceful place where people can come and bring their children.
Residents are also happy about the playground renovation.
The community response to the playground has been phenomenal, Mrs. Wortham said. Children love it. In fact, I see them go over there on cold days with their coats on, so they can go and play. I am very pleased with what the park district has done with the play lot, in terms of providing a safe, peaceful place for the kids to play and have fun.
Thomas lived a really good life, Sandra Wortham said last October during the Cole Park playground dedication. He turned down corporate jobs, waiting to hear back from the Chicago Police Department. He worked to make the world what God intended.
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @ thelmasardin
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