Prev
Incident
Police Officer Thomas Burner was killed in an automobile accident on US Highway 95, near Coaldale Junction, while returning to Reno from a police teletype seminar in Tonopah. The vehicle went out of control on a curve and rolled over three times. The police chief, who was a passenger in the car, was seriously injured in the crash. Officer Burner had served with the University of Nevada Reno Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and seven brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqp58crap4758h6t79x4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Burner served with the University of Nevada Reno Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Reno community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Burner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
University of Nevada Reno Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Thomas is one of 40 officers lost to accidents in NV, 27.4% of the 146 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 1 officer in NV was lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 31 years on record. The heaviest was 1966, with 3.
In 1968, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1968, 117 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Thomas was 42. Of the 39 lost to accidents in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47; the middle age was 40.
Thomas was 42. 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.
Thomas was 42. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
December holds 17.5% of these deaths in NV, more than any other month. Fridays: 20%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at University of Nevada Reno Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.4% of all 146 deaths in NV, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
University of Nevada Reno Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from University of Nevada Reno Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
