Police Officer Robert R. Birdsall, Long Beach Police Department, California

Police Officer Robert R. Birdsall

Long Beach Police Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, September 16, 1975

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Robert R. Birdsall

Police Officer Robert Birdsall was shot and killed while searching for a suspect wanted for armed robbery, kidnapping, and attempted murder.

He confronted the man near 23rd Street and Orange Avenue in the city of Signal Hill where the suspect shot and killed him. He was apprehended after exchanging several shots with other officers. Officer Birdsall was transported to St. Mary's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death May 5th, 1976. His sentence was later commuted to life.

Officer Birdsall served with the Long beach Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and four children

Bio

Age 40
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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I never knew my grandfather but he and my father who was the youngest of his children look exactly alike in every way. I sometimes wonder how it would have been if we had known each other, sadly that never happened and the rest of the family has not been the kindest to my father, so my connection to the Birdsall family has been lost. RIP Grandpa and hope you are watching your son and grandson.

Ray Birdsall
Grandson

November 26, 2018