San Quentin marks 30 years since Burchfield slaying

June 12, 2015

The honor guard folds a flag at the ceremony marking 30 years since the slaying of Howell Burchfield, a sergeant killed June 8, 1985, at San Quentin.

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

Howell Burchfield, a correctional sergeant, was killed June 8, 1985, while on duty at San Quentin. — Howell Burchfield

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.”

Staff and the warden at San Quentin for the Burchfield memorial 30-year anniversary. — San Quentin acting Warden Ron Davis and Marjorie Burchfield, daughter of the slain sergeant, with the honor guard.

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