Golden Valley County Sheriff's Department, Montana
End of Watch Thursday, April 14, 1938
Add to My HeroesArthur "Buzz" Burford
Undersheriff Buzz Burford was shot and killed when he and a deputy had gone to a residence on a business matter.
Unbeknownst to the deputies, the rancher and his wife and murdered two teenage ranch hands several days earlier. The two suspects, thinking the deputies were coming to arrest them for the murders, opened fire from an upstairs window as the deputies approached the house. Undersheriff Burford was struck in the leg and both deputies took cover behind the patrol car.
During the shootout the deputies exhausted all of their ammunition but were pinned down behind the car. As night fell the deputy was able to make his way from the property and go for help, but before he returned the suspect came down and shot Undersheriff Burford in the head, killing him. The suspect was convicted and later hung for the crime.
Undersheriff Burford was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsYour heroism and service is honored today, the 74th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 14, 2012
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