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Incident
Patrolman William Burns was overcome by gas fumes while attempting to rescue a sewer department employee who was trapped in an underground lift station at the Hardin Mall. Patrolman Burns and two other workers were overcome while attempting to rescue the man. Methane gas leaked into the pump station due to a broken valve. The water district was fined for ignoring safety standards; the air in the underground station was not tested for toxic gases, there was no ventilation, and no emergency breathing equipment was available. Patrolman Burns had served with the Radcliff Police Department for ten 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.
Patrolman Burns gave the Radcliff Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Radcliff community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
William is the only officer of Radcliff Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1985, 2 officers in KY were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 1985, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1985, 75 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 35. Of the 150 lost to accidents in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.8; the middle age was 39. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. 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. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 7.5% of these deaths in KY; April holds the most, 13.7%. Fridays: 16.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Radcliff Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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