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Incident
Patrolman Alvin Bush was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to a call for service on U.S. Highway 17 and Wabash Street. A truck was traveling downhill when its brakes stopped working. The driver swerved into the left lane and used the emergency brakes to avoid vehicles stopped at a stop light. Patrolman Bush had moved ahead of the light to help a stalled car in the intersection when the truck struck him and continued to roll two blocks past the crash before it stopped. Patrolman Bush was transported to the hospital, where he died from a fractured skull and internal injuries. Through an investigation, it was discovered that a brake line had broken, and there was no criminal negligence. Patrolman Bush was a United States Army WWI Military Police veteran and had served with the Bartow Police Department for three years and previously served with the Winter Haven Police Department. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two stepsons. He was buried at Lakeside Memorial Park in Winter Haven, Florida.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two stepsons.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Bush gave the Bartow Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bartow community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Alvin Grover Bush served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bartow Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Alvin is one of 315 officers lost to accidents in FL, 31.3% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Alvin is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Alvin is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1954, 4 officers in FL were lost to accidents, the 22nd heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 9.
In 1954, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1954, 73 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Alvin was 46. Of the 293 lost to accidents in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 35. Alvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Alvin was 46. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Alvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alvin was 46. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Alvin had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; February holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Bartow Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.3% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Bartow Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Alvin among them.
Where
Military Service
Alvin Grover Bush served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Alvin Grover Bush’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bartow Police Department are honored on badge.nw.