Lest We Forget Police Officer Edward Burns #42

Police Officer Edward Burns #42
Appointed: June 20, 1900
End of Watch: September 5, 1904

Yonkers Police Officer Edward Burns had four years on the job. Since his appointment he had been assigned to the Mounted Unit because of his riding abilities. He worked out of the 1st. Precinct on Wells Avenue and usually was assigned a "route" on Saw Mill River Road or Yonkers Ave. The footmen covered the downtown Getty Square posts. Standing over 6 foot tall and weighting more than 200 pounds, Ed was in excellent physical condition and was a well liked individual.

After roll call on September 5, 1904 Ptl. Burns started up Elm Street on a newly assigned horse. As he reached Nepperhan Ave a trolley car headed down the hill in his direction. His new mount started to bolt at seeing the trolley. Ed tried to control the horse but to no avail. Both toppled over and officer Burns was thrown under the wheels of the oncoming trolley, the wheels passing over his body. Ptl. Edward Burns #42 became the first Yonkers Police to die in the line of duty. "Lest We Forget"

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