Burbank Police Department Honoring Fallen Officer Joseph R. Wilson

HONORING BPD FALLEN OFFICER JOSEPH R. WILSON

Saturday marks the anniversary of BPD Fallen Officer Joseph R. Wilson, End of Watch, June 17, 1961. As a BPOA tradition, a wreath will be placed at The Guardians statue in honor of our fallen hero. “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.” By Vivian Eney Gross, Survivor. We will always honor our heroes for their service and ultimate sacrifice they made to secure our safety.

“Officer Joseph R. Wilson was one of the most popular men on the force,” a high Burbank police official said today.

Assistant Police Chief John McAuliffe, praised the work of Wilson who was killed in a traffic accident while on duty, early Saturday morning.

McAuliffe said, “Wilson was a superior officer and dedicated to his work, especially in a traffic safety.”

Wilson, a Burbank police officer for 3 1/2 years was struck by a car at the intersection of Buena Vista and Thornton Avenue.

According to witnesses, Wilson had stopped for a red signal at the intersection. When the signal turned green, he started across the intersection on his motorcycle. After he entered the intersection he was struck by the car which had allegedly run a red light.

The driver of the car was arrested and booked on suspicion of manslaughter and felony drunk driving. (As reported in the Burbank Daily Review dated June 19, 1961.)

Jay Hawver, President

Burbank Police Officers’ Association