Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Donald Burke was shot and killed while attempting to stop a vehicle he observed speeding through an industrial area near the city border with Aberdeen. After a ten-block pursuit, the suspect stopped on Myrtle Street. The passenger jumped out of the car and ran back to the patrol car with a gun and stuck it into the open window. The suspect and Patrolman Burke struggled while Patrolman Burke was still in the patrol car. The suspect stepped away from the vehicle and fired four times, striking the officer. Patrolman Burke was able to call for assistance after being shot and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Two of the suspects later became engaged in a shootout with the Aberdeen Police Department. The suspect who had killed Patrolman Burke was shot and killed. The other suspect was arrested, convicted, and later died in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Burke is survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-57FF38F2- Stewardship
- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Burke served with the Hoquiam Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Hoquiam community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Donald Martin Burke is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 340 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55% of this state's fallen. That is 55 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Hoquiam Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Donald Martin Burke's cause is highlighted.
How Donald Martin Burke Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Donald Martin Burke is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Donald Martin Burke was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hoquiam Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
