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Incident
Chief Bob Burch was killed when his vehicle overturned as he pursued another vehicle near Trent, Texas.
A woman had filed a complaint with the chief that her purse had been stolen by a man in a cafe in Merkel. During a conversation the woman had the suspect prior to the theft, he had told her he lived in Trent.
As the chief and the woman drove towards Trent to speak to the man they observed him driving in the opposite direction. Chief Burch turned around and began pursuing the vehicle, but the man refused to stop. As the chief tried to pass the man his vehicle overturned. Chief Burch and the woman were both ejected from the vehicle. The woman was uninjured but the vehicle landed on top of the chief, causing fatal injuries.
Chief Burch had served as the elected police chief for only three months, but had served in law enforcement for over 40 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and one son.
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
40 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Burch gave the Abilene Police Department 40 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Abilene community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Burch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Abilene Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 1 officer at Abilene Police Department was lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 5 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 1929, 118 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 130 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 71. Of the 5 lost to accidents at Abilene Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 50; the middle age was 33. Robert had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 15.5 years.
Robert was 71. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 71. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 71. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Abilene Police Department; October holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 20%.
July holds 7.5% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Saturdays: 18%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Abilene Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.7% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Abilene Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Abilene Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
