Night Watchman Joseph Burnham

Joseph Burnham

Watchman Joseph Burnham was shot and killed after interrupting a bank burglary in progress.

At approximately 0200 hours, Watchman Burnham and his partner were walking to a fire at a paint shop on Fleet Street when they heard an explosion from inside the Merrimack National Bank on Pecker Street. Watchman Burnham went to the back of the building, while his partner remained in the front. While in the back, Watchman Burnham confronted two burglars, who had attempted to blow the door off of the bank vault. The burglars shot and killed Watchman Burnham and then escaped.

The suspects were captured later in the night and were charged with murder.

Watchman Burnham had served with the Haverhill Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and four children.