Sergeant Walter J. Burgess, Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island

Sergeant Walter J. Burgess

Rhode Island State Police, Rhode Island

End of Watch Saturday, November 14, 1959

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Walter J. Burgess

Sergeant Walter Burgess was killed in an automobile crash on Cumberland Hill Road in Woonsocket while transporting an ill prisoner to Woonsocket Hospital.

He and another trooper had arrested men and were transporting them to the state police barracks for questioning when one of the men passed out. They turned around and started responding to the hospital when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line near Mendon Road and struck the patrol car head-on during a period of dense fog.

Sergeant Burgess was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He had served with the Rhode Island State Police for just over 2 years.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge 96

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

emergency response, medical call

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sergeant Burgess, it has been 30 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your 2 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Rhode Island.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 14, 2024