From the book, “Some Gave All,” available on Amazon
By Mike Simmons
End of Watch Sunday, March 18, 1906
Officer William Burnham had been a police officer for nearly three years. As the 31-year-old was walking his beat, he noticed two men fighting in front of Norman’s Saloon. As he got closer, he could see that one of the men was armed. Burnham approached the two and announced that he was a police officer. He then ordered the man to put the gun down. The man stopped, turned, and suddenly fired at Officer Burnham, striking him in the chest. Burnham died within a few minutes. The bullet had severed an artery in his chest. The suspect fled. A massive manhunt followed. Officers immediately formed search parties and left no stone unturned. However, the suspect was not found. He was never seen again.
Two days later, Officer Burnham’s funeral was attended by hundreds. He was laid to rest in St. Michael’s Cemetery. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Thank you Sir, for your sacrifice.