Police Officer William R. Berte

Police Officer William R. Berte | Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts
Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts
Police Officer William R. Berte

Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1973

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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

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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

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