Prev
Incident
Patrolman Bryant Birt succumbed to injuries sustained three years earlier in an automobile accident when his patrol car collided with a vehicle being driven by Patrolman S.C. McKenzie. Patrolman McKenzie, who was killed in the accident, was en route to work when he was dispatched to a fire call. Both vehicles were responding to the call when the collision occurred. The crash left Patrolman Birt paralyzed and he died as a result of the injuries.
Survivors
Patrolman Birt was survived by his wife and is buried in Blackville City Cemetery, Blackville, Barnwell County, South Carolina.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqwt1cawcbh2pd2rxesf- 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 Bryant. 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.
Patrolman Birt served with the Gastonia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Gastonia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Birt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Gastonia Police Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Bryant is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
Bryant is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bryant 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 1944, 1 officer in NC was lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1944, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1944, 59 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 93rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
When
July holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Saturdays: 20%.
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 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Gastonia Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Gastonia Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Bryant among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Gastonia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
