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Incident
Officer Burden was shot and killed while responding to a robbery in progress in a residential area. Officer Burden and his partner arrived as the two suspects were fleeing the scene. During the ensuing shootout Officer Burden was mortally wounded and his partner was also wounded. Officer Burden succumbed to his wounds en route to the hospital. Both suspects were apprehended the next day.
Both suspects were convicted of Officer Burden's murder and sentenced to life. One died in prison in 1937. On August 17, 1939, the other suspect was released when the criminal court of appeals ruled that he was illegally convicted.
Officer Burden had served with the agency for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six 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
23 years. You could have gone home.
Officer Burden gave the Okmulgee Police Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Okmulgee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Burden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Okmulgee Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 7 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Robert was 56. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Robert had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 56. 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. Robert had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.7% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Mondays: 12.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Okmulgee Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.9% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Okmulgee Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Okmulgee Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
