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Incident
Chief of Police William Burkett suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after breaking up a fight involving three intoxicated subjects.
He had responded from his home to an accident scene where he found the three arguing. He called for backup and then attempted to separate the three but was assaulted. Responding officers arrived at the scene and assisted Chief Burkett in taking the subject into custody. After the arrest, Chief Burkett returned home, where he passed away a short time later.
Chief Burkett had served with the Plymouth Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Burkett gave the Plymouth Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Plymouth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Burkett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
William is the only officer of Plymouth Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 43 officers lost to cardiac events in OH, 4.3% of the 993 remembered there.
William is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 1 officer in OH was lost to cardiac events, the 9th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1996, with 3.
In 2005, 21 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2005, 21 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
William was 44. Of the 43 lost to cardiac events in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 45.5 and 52.5; the middle age was 49. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 19 years.
William was 44. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
William was 44. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. William had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
July holds 7% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 16.3%. Fridays: 14%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Plymouth Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.3% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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