United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Saturday, November 26, 1977
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: November 26, 1977
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 months
Park Ranger Gregory Burdine was killed in a vehicle crash while pursuing a vehicle for speeding near Bellfield Plantation in Colonial National Historic Park, Virginia.
Ranger Burdine was running radar when he clocked the vehicle at 72 mph in a 45 mph zone. He pursued the suspect for three minutes before losing sight of him, which he reported to his dispatcher. Two minutes later he failed to negotiate a curve and his patrol car struck two trees at an estimated 100 mph. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A suspect was located and pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, driving on a revoked license, and evading a police officer. The man was sentenced to 15 months, loss of his license, and fined $500.
Ranger Burdine was survived by his wife.