Patrick Weatherford

Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Newport Police Department in Arkansas was shot and killed on June 12, 2017. He was assisting other officers who were investigating a vehicle larceny. They observed a suspicious person flee on foot. They followed him and he suddenly turned and opened fire, striking Weatherford. He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 41 years old and had served with the Newport Police Department for 15 years. 

Weatherford grew up in Newport, Arkansas, and was the son of Bobby and Francel Weatherford. He graduated from Newport High School, received his associate’s degree from Arkansas State University – Newport and his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Arkansas State University – Jonesboro. He had a genuine concern for others and an undeniable passion for police work. It was definitely his calling. Always striving to improve his skills, Weatherford received his master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. In 2016, he graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia, which is one of the most elite programs in the nation.  

In 2002, he joined the Newport Police Department and was promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division in 2004. Weatherford was a man of faith who had genuine concern for others and for his community. He had an excellent work ethic and was a man of honesty and compassion for all. He was named Jackson County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2016 and his alma-mater, Arkansas State University – Newport, named their criminal justice department the “Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford Criminal Justice Department”. 

Weatherford met his future wife, Kristen, and the attraction was immediate. She loved his sense of humor, and he could always make her laugh. He never failed to let her know how much he cared for her. They married and had a son, Kaleb, who completed their family. He was a loving husband and father. They enjoyed hiking and camping together. He was a big-hearted, funny man and a man of integrity.  

Lieutenant Patrick Weatherford is survived by his loving wife, Kristen, his son, Kaleb, his daughter, Kaitlyn, his sister, Mona, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Weatherford family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.