Night Watchman Joseph Burnham, Haverhill Police Department, Massachusetts

Night Watchman Joseph Burnham

Haverhill Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, December 23, 1867

Joseph Burnham

Watchman Joseph Burnham was shot and killed after interrupting a bank burglary in progress.

At approximately 0200 hours, Watchman Burnham and his partner were walking to a fire at a paint shop on Fleet Street when they heard an explosion from inside the Merrimack National Bank on Pecker Street. Watchman Burnham went to the back of the building, while his partner remained in the front. While in the back, Watchman Burnham confronted two burglars, who had attempted to blow the door off of the bank vault. The burglars shot and killed Watchman Burnham and then escaped.

The suspects were captured later in the night and were charged with murder.

Watchman Burnham had served with the Haverhill Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Apprehended

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 144th 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 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.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 23, 2011