James W. Burns

Officer

Bristol

End of Watch: 5/29/1941

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A police officer for 21 years, Officer Burns was shot five times after responding to a disturbance at the home of his brother-in-law in Bristol. The suspect opened fire on the officers after a day of drinking, overpowering them.

On May 29, 1941, Officer Burns, 48, was shot five times after responding to a disturbance at the home of his brother-in-law, Henry J. Cornetski, 36, of 16 Union Street, Bristol. Also shot in the leg was patrolman Ed O’Connor. Suspect opened fire on Officer Burns and O’Connor along with five other officers after a day of drinking. Cornetski was eventually overpowered. Officer Burns left a wife, 2 daughters, his mother, 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was a police officer for 21 years.