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Incident
Undersheriff George Burnau suffered a fatal heart attack while involved in a foot pursuit of a mental subject.
He and the sheriff located the man seated in a wagon on the Oskaloosa Williamstown Road, but the man fled on foot as they approached. Undersheriff Burnau ran into a wooded area as he tried to flank the subject. He collapsed in the woods and his body was not until several hours later.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Undersheriff Burnau served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Oskaloosa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Burnau.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
George is the only officer of Jefferson County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
George is one of 15 officers lost to cardiac events in KS, 4.5% of the 335 remembered there.
George is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 1 officer in KS was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1920, 5 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1920, 5 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
George was 46. Of the 13 lost to cardiac events in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 54; the middle age was 49.
George was 46. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48.
George was 46. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48.
When
April holds 6.7% of these deaths in KS; September holds the most, 20%. Thursdays: 6.7%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 335 deaths in KS, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
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