Correctional Officer Hervey Burnham

Correctional Officer Hervey Burnham

Vermont Department of Corrections, Vermont

End of Watch Wednesday, December 4, 1935

Add to My Heroes

Hervey Burnham

Correctional Officer Hervey Burnham was stabbed to death by an inmate in an unprovoked attack at the Vermont State Prison in Windsor.

The inmate was walking in the main corridor of the prison when he suddenly attacked Officer Burnham without warning and stabbed him with a potato knife. Other guards were able to subdue the inmate and place him in solitary confinement.

The 17-year-old inmate was found to be insane and committed to the Vermont State Hospital. He was removed to a nearby nursing home in the 1980s, where he died from COPD on September 27, 1989.

Officer Burnham had served at the Vermont State Prison for two years. He had previously served as the Doorkeeper at the Vermont Capitol for four years, as overseer of the poor, as a deputy sheriff in Chittenden County, and as a state traffic officer for five additional years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.

Bio

  • Age 56
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
  • Offender Died in mental institution

EDP

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Officer Burnham, it has been 88 years since you were taken from us. The structure where you were assassinated has been closed and refurbished for elderly housing. My in-laws walked the same corridors you did, but for much more pleasant purposes.

Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

December 5, 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.