Police Officer Haze Burch, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

Police Officer Haze Burch

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Thursday, February 5, 1925

Haze Burch

Police Officer Haze Burch was shot and killed when he attempted to stop two men from siphoning gasoline from a car at the intersection of 8th Street and Jefferson Street.

The two suspects were wanted in Texas for the murder of Deputy Joseph Morgan of the Muskogee County, Oklahoma, Sheriff's Department and in Montana for the murder of Officer Charles Wilson of the Livingston, Montana, Police Department. Both suspects were eventually captured.

One of the suspects was convicted in Arizona of murdering Officer Burch and hanged on January 8, 1926. The other brother was convicted in Texas of murdering of Deputy Morgan and was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Burch was survived by his wife and three young children.

Bio

Age 41
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
Offender One executed

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Most Recent Reflection

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Coming into the PPD in 1986, I instantly felt a connection, an almost kindred spirit with the department’s first fallen officer, having the same sir name. This
may have made me uniquely aware of the possibility of getting killed on duty, and honing my officer safety skills to a higher level. In any event, after numerous brushes with death while working as a cop, to include a gunfight with an armed bank robber, I thank the memory of Officer Haze Burch for making me better prepared, keenly aware of the ultimate sacrifice he gave for this community. Rest In Peace brother.

Sgt. Darren Burch
Phoenix Police Department

February 5, 2018