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Incident
Officer James McGrath was shot and killed on foot patrol in the Burlington rail and lumber yard at Main Street and Battery Street in Burlington at 1930 hours. He was shot three times when he encountered an AWOL soldier. Officer McGrath succumbed to his wounds while being transported to his home. The suspect was apprehended and convicted of Officer McGrath's murder. He died in prison in 1940.
Survivors
Officer McGrath was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Officer McGrath served with the Burlington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Burlington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer McGrath.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Burlington Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 12 officers killed feloniously in VT, 38.7% of the 31 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1904, 1 officer in VT was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1904, 83 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 39. Of the 12 killed feloniously in VT whose age is recorded, half were between 43.8 and 52.3; the middle age was 46.5.
James was 39. 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.
James was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 8.3% of these deaths in VT; December holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 16.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Burlington Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 38.7% of all 31 deaths in VT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Burlington Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Burlington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
