BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Patrolman Alonzo Burnham succumbed to complications of pneumonia that he contracted during the Great Blizzard of 1899 while on foot patrol for his tour of duty.
On Sunday, February 12, 1899, Patrol Alonzo Burnham was on a walking beat during the Great Blizzard of 1899, which affected most of the United States. The city saw temperatures as low as −4°F, and over 16 inches of snow. Patrolman Burnham contracted pneumonia while on duty and continued to work until it took his life days later.
Patrolman Burnham was a 25-year veteran of the department and was assigned to the 12th District. He was 56 years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter. He is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.
Patrolman Burnham name has been forever engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. His name can be located on Memorial Panel 10 East Line 32. His name can also be seen on the BPD’s Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts State Law Enforcement Memorial located on the lawn of the Massachusetts State House in Boston.