Police Officer Burton Begay, Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police

Police Officer Burton Begay

Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police

End of Watch Monday, November 17, 1975

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Burton Begay

Police Officer Burton Begay was shot and killed after responding to a call involving a man carrying a rifle on a road near the school complex in Tuba City. Officer Begay and another officer responded to the scene and observed the suspect in front of the school. As the officers pulled up, the suspect opened fire killing Officer Begay and wounding the second officer.

The suspect, 26, was apprehended a short time later. On September 26, 1977, he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Officer Begay had served with the Navajo Division of Public Safety for 15 months was assigned to the Dilcon District. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, and five sisters.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 1 year, 3 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Arizona
Weapon Rifle
Offender Sentenced to 10 years

weapons violation

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It's been 46 years since your life was taken Police Officer Burton Begay. It's a day I'll never forget. I am both sad and grateful sir. You gave your life to protect all the students there that day, including me. I still remember the call over the intercom for all students to get down and stay down. I remember learning, before leaving school that day, that a police officer had been shot and killed. I remember after school that day, when I arrived home, my Mom held on to me like she didn't want to ever let me go. God bless you Officer Begay. I can only hope my life's work is worthy of your sacrifice. My prayers to your family, especially your children who grew up without you.

LT, Roger Taylor
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Reserve Bureau

November 16, 2021