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Incident
Watchman Joseph Burnham was shot and killed after interrupting a bank burglary in progress.
At approximately 0200 hours, Watchman Burnham and his partner were walking to a fire at a paint shop on Fleet Street when they heard an explosion from inside the Merrimack National Bank on Pecker Street. Watchman Burnham went to the back of the building, while his partner remained in the front. While in the back, Watchman Burnham confronted two burglars, who had attempted to blow the door off of the bank vault. The burglars shot and killed Watchman Burnham and then escaped.
The suspects were captured later in the night and were charged with murder.
Watchman Burnham had served with the Haverhill Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
159 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Night Watchman Burnham gave the Haverhill Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Haverhill community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Haverhill Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1867, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1867, 24 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 159th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1867, 29 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 158th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 50. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
Joseph was 50. 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. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 19.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Haverhill Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Haverhill Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Haverhill Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
