Officer J.D. Tippit lost his life on November 22nd 1963, shortly after the JFK assassination, allegedly at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald . Tippit was a 39 year old father of three, husband, brother and veteran police officer.

The events at Dealy Plaza that day have been vetted ad nauseam by hundreds of authors, law enforcement agencies, conspiracy theorists and the Warren Commission. Omitted from many discussions on this topic is the tragedy of Officer Tippit’s murder. There have been many theories offered that differ from the official police record regarding his murder. What is not in dispute is a police officer was gunned down on Tenth Street in the Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas, about 2 miles from the Texas School Book Depository where the JFK assassination occurred.

The short version of the events are that Oswald left the depository immediately after the assassination. By most accounts he traveled by foot, taxi and bus. First to his home and then to the Oak Cliff area where the killing occurred. While patrolling the area in his marked police car Tippit came across a pedestrian walking in the same direction on the sidewalk. Upon seeing the patrol car Oswald abruptly changed directions. Tippit stopped his car and called for him to stop. According to witnesses Oswald spoke to Tippit through the open right front vent window. After a brief conversation, Tippit exited his car. As he approached the drivers front panel, Oswald pulled out the .38 caliber pistol and began shooting. Five rounds were fired. Four of which hit Tippit killing him at the scene. Half an hour later, while in possession of the .38 pistol, Oswald was arrested at a movie theatre approximately eight blocks away.

Most people are unable to bring themselves to do the things Police Officers do on a daily basis. Without their courage and commitment we would not have the quality of life we enjoy. All to often we seem to be immune or insulated from the ugly and and sometimes frightening societal conduct that they endure for us every day. People like JD Tippit are heroes whose life came to an abrupt and senseless end. Don’t forget him or others like him who have died or been maimed in the line of duty.

I have several relatives serving law enforcement agencies, including a cousin, two brothers, two sisters and a brother-in-law. They risk their lives every day to protect the communities in which they live. They have spouses, children, extended families and friends, as did Tippit. I haven’t before taken the time to express my appreciation for their thankless work and the work of their peers.

Thank you for your valuable service and may God keep you safe. 

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