Police Officer William R. Berte

Police Officer William R. Berte

Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1973

Add to My Heroes

William R. Berte

Officer William Berte was shot and killed by another officer in the department's garage.

Patrolman Berte had gone to the police garage to pick up a cruiser. He and a patrolman assigned to the garage began arguing as they filled his cruiser with gasoline. The argument turned into a scuffle, and the patrolman was shot with a service revolver. He died at Wesson Memorial Hospital. The other officer was charged with murder.

Officer Berte was a United States Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Springfield Police Department for 3 years. He was survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, his mother, and three sisters.

He is buried at Saint Michael's Cemetary, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender In custody

police station

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

Officer Berte,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Coast Guard. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Paratus!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 8, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.