Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, December 12, 1995
Add to My HeroesJoseph Bruce Burtner
Officer Joseph Burtner was shot and killed after he had responded to a suicide call. He was ambushed by the man with an AK-47 after entering the house to check on his well-being. The suspect had left a suicide message as the greeting on his own answering machine and the police were notified after it was heard.
Officer Burtner entered the house after 30 minutes of knocking on the door and other means of attention-getting. He attempted a forced entry with the approval of his sergeant and lieutenant, who were both at the scene.
The suspect claimed self-defense and stated that he thought his house was being burglarized. The suspect was convicted of manslaughter, four counts of attempted murder, one count of armed robbery and sentenced to six consecutive life terms in prison.
Officer Burtner had served with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for six months. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 23
- Tour 6 months
- Badge 5552
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsI still think of you often..its been so long since we were kids. I miss you and love you..I will never forget you or let your memory go. I will never forget when your mom told me you was going to school to be a cop.. she was proud but she was scared for you..Rest easy. Gone but never forgotten.
Michelle
Friend
December 30, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022