Police Officer John Thomas Burlinson

Police Officer John Thomas Burlinson

Miami Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Saturday, March 8, 1958

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John Thomas Burlinson

Officer Burlinson was killed when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver at SW 16th Avenue and SW 7th Street at 0355 hours. The drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck the rear of his patrol car, causing it to go out of control. The patrol car struck a palm tree and Officer Burlinson was thrown from the vehicle.

The 44-year-old driver was charged with drunk driving and running a stop sign but only convicted of running a stop sign and sentenced to three months in jail and fined $150.00.

Officer Burlinson was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He had been in law enforcement for four years and was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 3 months

drunk driver

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Rest in peace Officer Burlinson. I recently visited your grave at Miami Memorial Park.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2021

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