San Quentin marks 30 years since Burchfield slaying

A special ceremony was held in memory of Howell “Hal” Burchfield, a sergeant at San Quentin who was stabbed to death June 8, 1985.

The 30-year anniversary ceremony was held Monday, June 8, 2015, at San Quentin State Prison.

Burchfield was survived by his wife Barbara and five children.

“Several days before Hal’s death, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), the nation’s only charity for correctional professionals, had officially determined how and when they would provide financial aid to the families of officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty,” according to a 2000 article published on Corrections.com. “Barbara and her family became the first recipients of the Foundation’s death benefit, receiving funds to attend to their immediate needs, such as funeral costs.”

San Quentin line-of-duty death

Charlene Corby, who attended this year’s ceremony, was involved in the early days of the charity. She contacted Barbara after her husband’s death.

“It was my first time approaching a widow,” Corby told Corrections.com. “In-the-line-of-duty deaths take such a toll on the families. People remember the fallen officer, but many times don’t recognize the families they’ve left behind. So, I want to know how they are and what they need.”

Burchfield’s daughter, Marjorie, now dons the uniform and serves as a correctional officer at Folsom State Prison.

By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Photos by Lt. Sam Robinson, AA/Public Information Officer
San Quentin State Prison

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

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