On a spring evening in Burton, Michigan, Patrolman Russell Allen Herrick’s life was tragically cut short. On May 8, 1980, the 27-year-old officer and his partner were responding to a holdup alarm at a store on Davison Road. As they approached the front of the establishment, a shot from a high-powered rifle suddenly rang out, striking Herrick in the back. His partner was also wounded, shot in both arms, but would survive the violent encounter.
Patrolman Herrick, a dedicated officer with two years of service to the Burton Police Department, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. He left behind a wife and a daughter. The aftermath of the shooting led to the arrest of two suspects who were subsequently charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to murder for their roles in the deadly ambush.
The two individuals responsible for Patrolman Herrick's death were ultimately convicted of the charges brought against them. A court of law sentenced both suspects to life in prison, ensuring they would be held accountable for the murder of the young officer and the wounding of his partner. The community mourned the loss of a man who had dedicated his life to protecting and serving them.
