Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Deputy Sheriff Dalton Burnam and his wife were shot and killed by a hitman hired to retaliate against Deputy Burnam for testifying against a group of men running an illegal moonshine and drug business. When Deputy Burnam's wife left her home on U.S. Highway 280 in Rhine, Georgia, to pick up Deputy Burnam from work, the subject entered the house through a window, cut the telephone lines, and lay in wait for Deputy Burnam to return home. As soon as they entered the house, the man shot Deputy Burnam in the back and his wife in the head. In 1976, three drug dealers and a hitman were convicted of the murders and sentenced to two life terms. However, all men were released on parole within 15 years. The hitman, who was also suspected of several other murders, died in 2002 while on parole. Deputy Burnam had served with the Dodge County Sheriff's Office for six years. He was survived by his son, daughter, sister, five brothers, and two grandchildren. His son served with the Eastman Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his son, daughter, sister, five brothers, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-100906A1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Dalton. 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.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Burnam gave the Dodge County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eastman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Sheriff Burnam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief Deputy Sheriff Dalton Burnam is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Dalton Burnam's cause is highlighted.
How Dalton Burnam Compares
Offender Outcome
Life in prison- Paroled after 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dalton Burnam is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dalton Burnam was killed by gun; unknown type.