Reward Offered in Firefighter Murder Cold Case

Westchester County Crime Stoppers is offering a $3,500 reward for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the unsolved murder of Pleasantville Firefighter Thomas Dorr in January 1996.

The bulk of the reward funds were provided by Friends of Thomas Dorr, an organization founded by his former co-workers and headed by Robert Allo of Fishkill, N.Y.

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Derickson K. Lawrence, chairman of Westchester County Crime Stoppers, said, “Someone out there knows something. With the passage time--some 20 years—comes the strength to share information now, that otherwise was difficult to share then.”

Dorr’s body was found in Graham Hills Park on Jan. 7, 1996, covered in snow following blizzard-like conditions from a storm the evening before. Westchester County detectives quickly identified persons of interest in the case but said a lack of cooperation from Dorr’s family has hurt the investigation.

In fact, Dorr’s wife and stepson remain suspects in the case. No one has ever been charged.

“This coming January will mark 20 years since Thomas Dorr was murdered,” said Commissioner George N. Longworth of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. “We are hoping that this reward will prompt someone to come forward so we can obtain justice for Mr. Dorr before that anniversary arrives.”

Longworth noted that a suspect who fled the scene of a Pelham Manor homicide in 1996 was taken into custody in Jamaica last week and was returned to Westchester to stand trial. “As the Pelham Manor case shows, law enforcement is committed to solving open cases no matter how long it takes. The county police will never cease our efforts to bring Tom Dorr’s killer to Justice.”

Anyone with information on the case may call the Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (1-800-898-8477). All calls are confidential.

As a volunteer civilian organization, WCCS is funded by tax-deductible donations from businesses, clubs, associations, and individuals. A fundraising campaign is currently underway. Additional information about WCCS, the Crimes Stoppers concept and ways to make a donation can be found at www.westchestercrimestoppers.org.

PHOTO: WC CrimeStoppers chairman Derickson Lawrence speaking to the press/contributed