| Officer J.D. Tippit lost his life on November 22nd | | | | brief conversation, Tippit exited his car. As he |
| 1963, shortly after the JFK assassination, allegedly at | | | | approached the drivers front panel, Oswald pulled out |
| the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald . Tippit was a 39 | | | | the .38 caliber pistol and began shooting. Five rounds |
| year old father of three, husband, brother and | | | | were fired. Four of which hit Tippit killing him at the |
| veteran police officer. | | | | scene. Half an hour later, while in possession of the |
| The events at Dealy Plaza that day have been | | | | .38 pistol, Oswald was arrested at a movie theatre |
| vetted ad nauseam by hundreds of authors, law | | | | approximately eight blocks away. |
| enforcement agencies, conspiracy theorists and the | | | | Most people are unable to bring themselves to do |
| Warren Commission. Omitted from many discussions | | | | the things Police Officers do on a daily basis. Without |
| on this topic is the tragedy of Officer Tippit's murder. | | | | their courage and commitment we would not have |
| There have been many theories offered that differ | | | | the quality of life we enjoy. All to often we seem to |
| from the official police record regarding his murder. | | | | be immune or insulated from the ugly and and |
| What is not in dispute is a police officer was gunned | | | | sometimes frightening societal conduct that they |
| down on Tenth Street in the Oak Cliff neighborhood | | | | endure for us every day. People like JD Tippit are |
| in Dallas, about 2 miles from the Texas School Book | | | | heroes whose life came to an abrupt and senseless |
| Depository where the JFK assassination occurred. | | | | end. Don't forget him or others like him who have |
| The short version of the events are that Oswald left | | | | died or been maimed in the line of duty. |
| the depository immediately after the assassination. | | | | I have several relatives serving law enforcement |
| By most accounts he traveled by foot, taxi and bus. | | | | agencies, including a cousin, two brothers, two sisters |
| First to his home and then to the Oak Cliff area | | | | and a brother-in-law. They risk their lives every day |
| where the killing occurred. While patrolling the area in | | | | to protect the communities in which they live. They |
| his marked police car Tippit came across a pedestrian | | | | have spouses, children, extended families and friends, |
| walking in the same direction on the sidewalk. Upon | | | | as did Tippit. I haven't before taken the time to |
| seeing the patrol car Oswald abruptly changed | | | | express my appreciation for their thankless work and |
| directions. Tippit stopped his car and called for him to | | | | the work of their peers. |
| stop. According to witnesses Oswald spoke to Tippit | | | | Thank you for your valuable service and may God |
| through the open right front vent window. After a | | | | keep you safe. |