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Incident
Reserve Officer Clifton was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking beside highway 22 at night. The driver of a pick-up truck struck him with his passenger side view mirror knocking him to the ground. Then the driver of a car behind him ran over Officer Clifton killing him. The driver of the truck was not charged. The driver of the car was never identified.
Survivors
Officer Clifton had served with the agency for 1 year and was survived by his wife and child.
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
You barely got started.
Reserve Officer Clifton gave the Burns Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Burns community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Officer Clifton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Burns Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 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 1981, 2 officers in OR were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 26. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43. James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 26. 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 had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Sundays: 10.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Burns Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Burns Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Burns Police Department are honored on badge.nw.