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Incident
Patrolman Donald Burke was shot and killed while attempting to stop a vehicle he observed speeding through an industrial area near the city border with Aberdeen. After a ten-block pursuit, the suspect stopped on Myrtle Street. The passenger jumped out of the car and ran back to the patrol car with a gun and stuck it into the open window. The suspect and Patrolman Burke struggled while Patrolman Burke was still in the patrol car. The suspect stepped away from the vehicle and fired four times, striking the officer. Patrolman Burke was able to call for assistance after being shot and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Two of the suspects later became engaged in a shootout with the Aberdeen Police Department. The suspect who had killed Patrolman Burke was shot and killed. The other suspect was arrested, convicted, and later died in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Burke is survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Burke served with the Hoquiam Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Hoquiam community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hoquiam Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Donald is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
Donald is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald 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 1980, 1 officer in WA was killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Donald was 37. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41.
Donald was 37. 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.
Donald was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 11.2% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Wednesdays: 15%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Hoquiam Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Hoquiam Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hoquiam Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
