Riverton in Burlington County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Patrolman Thomas C. Whitelock
1945 - 1976
| | Riverton Borough Police Department | |
On January 14, 1976, Thomas C. Whitelock, a patrolman for the Riverton Police Department, made the ultimate sacrifice. Patrolman Whitelock put his life on the line while answering a call for a subject who was mentally unstable. Patrolman Whitelock and Patrolman Howard Norcross of the Palmyra Police Department responded to the subject's residence on Lippincott Avenue. Upon arrival, the found the subject wielding a knife. After disarming the subject, Patrolman Whitelock was handcuffing him when he broke free, grabbed Patrolman Whitelock's gun from his holster, and fired a shot at Patrolman Norcross who fell to the ground. As the subject prepared to fire the weapon again, Patrolman Whitelock forced his way between Patrolman Norcross and the subject, blocking the line of fire. The subject aimed the gun directly at Patrolman Whitelock and fired, inflicting a fatal wound. Numerous law enforcement personnel at the scene were quoted as saying Patrolman Whitelock's actions undoubtedly saved the life of his fellow officer.
The Borough of Riverton and the Riverton Police Department are forever indebted to Patrolman Whitelock for his heroism and his service.
Erected by Borough
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1976.
Location. 40° 0.584′ N, 75° 0.742′ W. Marker is in Riverton, New Jersey, in Burlington County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Broad Street (County Road 543), on the left when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 527 Main St, Riverton NJ 08077, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Jersey and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Riverton (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Riverton's Bicycle Track (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ann Carhart (about 500 feet away); Look Listen and Live (about 500 feet away); Riverton Public School (about 600 feet away); In Memory of Lives lost by Riverton Gold Star Servicemen in World War 1 (about 600 feet away); Riverton Memorial Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverton.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
