U.S. Coast Guard · United States 
William Berte
1973
William R. Berte served the U.S. Coast Guard.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Officer William Berte was shot and killed by another officer in the department's garage. Patrolman Berte had gone to the police garage to pick up a cruiser. He and a patrolman assigned to the garage began arguing as they filled his cruiser with gasoline. The argument turned into a scuffle, and the patrolman was shot with a service revolver. He died at Wesson Memorial Hospital. The other officer was charged with murder. Officer Berte was a United States Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Springfield Police Department for 3 years. He was survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, his mother, and three sisters. He is buried at Saint Michael's Cemetary, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, his mother, and three sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Coast Guard
Also Served
Springfield Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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