Retired police sergeant honored with Award of Valor

CHICAGO (WLS) -- In 2010, Officer Thomas Wortham IV was killed during a gun battle outside his family's home. His father, retired police Sgt. Thomas Wortham III, ran outside and tried to save his son.

Sgt. Wortham received a standing ovation when he was honored with the superintendent's Award of Valor.

"I accepted this reward, award, for all the parents who have lost someone," Sgt. Wortham said.

In 2010 thieves attempted to steal Wortham's son's brand new motorcycle while it was parked outside the family's Chatham home.

Wortham's police officer son was shot and killed in the ensuing gun battle. Wortham shot two of the robbers, killing one of them and identified the suspects in the getaway car.

"I did nothing no other parent would have done in the same situation," he said.

"That incident where he lost his son and the actions that he took that day were so exceptional that we've gone a little bit further in honoring a retired police officer as if he were still working today," said Supt. Garry McCarthy.

A different award named in Wortham IV's honor was bestowed on Officer William Gorman, who met him after they both returned from serving in Afghanistan.

"I hate to receive it because of what happened, but it is a complete privilege to receive something like this from an officer like that," Gorman said.

"Every year I see those guys who get that award and are so proud of all of the things that they do," Wortham said.

Seventy other members of the Chicago Police Department also received awards Tuesday, honoring their service and recognizing those injured in the line of duty.