Police Officer William R. Berte, Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts

Police Officer William R. Berte

Springfield Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1973

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William R. Berte

Officer William Berte was shot and killed by another officer in the department's garage.

Patrolman Berte had gone to the police garage to pick up a cruiser. He and a patrolman assigned to the garage began arguing as they filled his cruiser with gasoline. The argument turned into a scuffle, and the patrolman was shot with a service revolver. He died at Wesson Memorial Hospital. The other officer was charged with murder.

Officer Berte was a United States Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Springfield Police Department for 3 years. He was survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, his mother, and three sisters.

He is buried at Saint Michael's Cemetary, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender In custody

police facility

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Berte, it has been 54 years since you were taken from us. 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 military and 3 years of law enforcement service

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

January 8, 2024