Dane County Traffic Police, Wisconsin
End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1979
Add to My HeroesHarlend G. Orsburne
Officer Orsburne was killed when his patrol car was rammed by a car during a vehicle pursuit. He was assisting state patrol officers in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle when the vehicle intentionally rammed the patrol car. The suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended and sentenced to five years in connection with Officer Orsburne's death.
Officer Orsburne was survived by his two daughters.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 8 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to five years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsI was working that day as a patrol officer in Fitchburg, WI when the accident occurred. It happened in my patrol area. Still think about it a lot, even though it has been 43 years. It was a very sad day. But at least we got the bad guy. He only got 5 years. Doesn't seem right.
Al S.
Fitchburg Police Dept
October 13, 2022