Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Burtt was shot and killed in Virginia Beach as he was attempting to protect a woman from being kidnapped while off duty. Officer Burtt had befriended the woman who worked in his patrol district and was escorting her to run errands when her estranged husband attempted to kidnap her. Officer Burtt exited his van and attempted to draw his weapon when the suspect opened fire on him, striking him several times. The suspect then stole the van but surrendered two days later. Officer Burtt's actions prevented the suspect from murdering his wife. The suspect was convicted of murder and several other charges in connection with Officer Burtt's murder. Officer Burtt had served with the Norfolk Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-37619149- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Burtt gave the Norfolk Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Norfolk community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Burtt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Henry Burtt 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In VA, 394 of 655 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.2% of this state's fallen. That is 60.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Norfolk Police Department, 20 of 39 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 51.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Henry Burtt's cause is highlighted.
How William Henry Burtt Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Henry Burtt is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Henry Burtt was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
38 officers from Norfolk Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
