Traffic Officer Harlend G. Orsburne, Dane County Traffic Police, Wisconsin

Traffic Officer Harlend G. Orsburne

Dane County Traffic Police, Wisconsin

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1979

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Harlend G. Orsburne

Officer Orsburne was killed when his patrol car was rammed by a car during a vehicle pursuit. He was assisting state patrol officers in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle when the vehicle intentionally rammed the patrol car. The suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended and sentenced to five years in connection with Officer Orsburne's death.

Officer Orsburne was survived by his two daughters.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Sentenced to five years

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Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

I was working that day as a patrol officer in Fitchburg, WI when the accident occurred. It happened in my patrol area. Still think about it a lot, even though it has been 43 years. It was a very sad day. But at least we got the bad guy. He only got 5 years. Doesn't seem right.

Al S.
Fitchburg Police Dept

October 13, 2022