Prev
Incident
Officer Burgess was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man for disorderly conduct in a drug store. Officer Robert Burgess was fatally shot at Sattler’s Drugs Store on William Street by a suspect who had gained control of another officers’ revolver in a struggle and fired six shots, one striking Officer Burgess in the chest. The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and attempted murder and sentenced to 8 to 30 years. He was paroled September 19, 1989.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqyxschdtrjjs51fxcsw- 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 Robert. 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.
Patrol Officer Burgess served with the Cheektowaga Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cheektowaga community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Burgess.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cheektowaga Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1977, 13 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 27. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Robert was 27. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 27. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Fridays: 14.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Cheektowaga Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.6% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Cheektowaga Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Cheektowaga Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
