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Incident
Patrol Officer Robert Burke was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person near the intersection of Green Bay and Church roads. Officer Burke was on patrol, at about 9:30 pm, when he observed the man standing on the side of the road with a suitcase. He parked his patrol car and exited the vehicle. He took about three steps from the vehicle when the man suddenly produced a revolver and fired four rounds, striking Officer Burke once in the chest. Officer Burke was able to return fire with one shot but did not strike the suspect. As Officer Burke lay on the ground, the suspect approached him and then pointed his gun at a witness. The suspect then walked across the street and committed suicide. No motive has ever been identified into why the suspect shot Officer Burke. The man was identified through fingerprints but had no criminal record. Officer Burke had served with the Winnetka Police Department for five years and had previously served with the Evanston Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Patrol Officer Burke gave the Winnetka Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Winnetka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Burke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Winnetka Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1957, 7 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1957, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 31. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 31. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 31. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Thursdays: 15%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Winnetka Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Winnetka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.