Deputy Sheriff Irving Lawrence Burkett, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

Deputy Sheriff Irving Lawrence Burkett

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

End of Watch Thursday, August 21, 2003

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Irving Lawrence Burkett

Deputy Sheriff Irving Burkett succumbed to injuries sustained on July 25, 1982, when he was shot during an escape attempt from the Rocky Butte Jail in Portland.

On July 25, 1982, an inmate had a .22 caliber pistol smuggled into the jail. He and five other inmates held Deputy Burkett and another guard hostage while they prepared to escape. When Deputy Burkett broke away and sounded the alarm, the inmate shot Deputy Burkett in the head.

The felon was captured a month later and sentenced to 90 years in prison. He was denied parole in 2013 and died in prison in 2019. The other five inmates were sentenced to an additional 10-50 years.

Deputy Burkett was permanently disabled, with the bullet remaining lodged near his brain stem. He lost his eyesight and was unable to walk on his own. He died from complications of the wound on August 21, 2003.

The Rocky Butte Jail was closed and demolished in 1984.

Deputy Burkett had served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office for 14 years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 63
Tour 14 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, July 25, 1982
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to 90 years

escape, correctional Facility, prisoner custody

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Today marks 40 years since I participated in the most shameful action of my life. I can't take back my role in the circumstances that resulted in your terrible injury and eventual passing. Belated as it may be, I need to apologize from the bottom of my heart and promise you that if I had to do it over again I would have died first. Not a night goes by that I don't think or suffer vivid nightmares about that night in the control center. Rest in peace Sir. James Anthony Gardner

James A. Gardner
Participant in escape

July 25, 2024