Tim Witherspoon Death, Obituary; Lancaster Mourns the Loss of Retired Lt. Tim Witherspoon

Tim Witherspoon Death, Obituary; It is with deep and heartfelt sorrow that the Lancaster community announces the passing of Retired Lt. Tim Witherspoon, who passed away last night. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, and updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

Lt. Witherspoon’s life was defined by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Lancaster. His journey with the Lancaster Police Department began remarkably early — at just nine years old, when he joined the department’s “Youth Patrol.” This early introduction to public service sparked a passion that would grow into a lifelong career.

As a teenager, he progressed into the Police Cadet program, gaining valuable experience and deepening his dedication to law enforcement. After graduating high school in 1981, and still too young to serve as a sworn officer, Tim was hired by Chief Frank Harris as the department’s custodian. This allowed him to remain connected to the work he loved while awaiting eligibility to serve in uniform.

In 1982, Tim became a dispatcher, and by 1984, he achieved his long-held goal of becoming an official Lancaster Police Department officer. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks — serving as corporal, sergeant, narcotics officer, detective corporal, detective sergeant, and ultimately as lieutenant in the Special Operations Division. He first retired from the LPD in 2008.

But retirement could not keep Tim away from the work and community he loved. Later that same year, he returned to serve as a School Resource Officer at Lancaster High School, where he made a profound impact on countless young lives. His leadership and dedication once again led him to the rank of Lieutenant, before retiring for the second time in 2016.

Still drawn to public service, Tim joined the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office that same year, working in the Judicial Services Unit at the Lancaster County Courthouse. He retired for the final time in 2019, closing a remarkable career that spanned decades and touched nearly every aspect of law enforcement in Lancaster County.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lt. Witherspoon was known for his deep compassion for young people in the community. In 1988, he played a crucial role in reviving the Police Cadet program, giving local teens — including at-risk youth — a chance to learn discipline, responsibility, and the values of public service. Many of those cadets would go on to become police officers themselves. In those early years, the cadets were affectionately called “Tim’s Kids” — a testament to the personal care, mentorship, and encouragement he provided.

Lt. Witherspoon’s influence stretched far beyond uniforms and ranks. He was a mentor, a friend, a leader, and a role model. His legacy is carried on in the lives of those he guided, the careers he helped shape, and the community he worked so tirelessly to protect.

The Lancaster Police Department shared their deep loss in a statement:

“Tim, you will be missed by all of us here at Lancaster PD. Your service, leadership, and kindness will never be forgotten.”

As Lancaster mourns this tremendous loss, the community reflects on a life lived in selfless service — a life that left an indelible mark on the city, its youth, and the future of law enforcement in the area. Lt. Tim Witherspoon’s dedication, integrity, and compassion will remain an enduring part of Lancaster’s history.