Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Michael Van Kuren and Deputy Sheriff Christopher Burgert were shot and killed as they attempted to serve a warrant on Congdon Road near Laurel Hill Road.
They had responded to a private residence in Wells Township to serve an arrest warrant on a man for failing to appear in court to answer a minor charge. When the deputies arrived at the location, they were both shot and killed. Both officers were wearing their bullet-resistant vests but were stuck in areas not protected by the vest.
Two family members of the suspect were taken into custody at the scene. The suspect and another man who was at the scene during the incident fled. Both men were apprehended during a two-day manhunt. The shooter was convicted of murdering both deputies and sentenced to death.
Deputy Van Kuren had served with the Bradford County Sheriff's Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnm8tcn9h6gw197q92g6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Van Kuren gave the Bradford County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Towanda community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Van Kuren.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bradford County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2004, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 36. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Michael had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Michael was 36. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bradford County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 4.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Bradford County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bradford County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
