Chief of Police Burr Robertson

Burr Robertson

Chief Robertson was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant from Kansas for the murder of a Santa Fe Railroad agent three years earlier in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Chief Robertson and a deputy had gone to the railroad station, where the man was employed, after confirming an admission by the man's wife that he was wanted for the murder. When the suspect saw the officers, he opened fire, striking Chief Robertson three times.

The suspect was arrested and convicted of Chief Robertson's murder. He later died in prison.

Chief Robertson had served with the Harrison Police Department for only 3 months but had served in law enforcement for a total of 20 years. He had previously served with the Hawthorne, California, Police Department and Frederick, Colorado, Police Department. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and four daughters.