NEWBURGH – It has been 50 years since Newburgh City Police Officer Willam Robinson was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance and on Saturday, the city’s police unions were at Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor to commemorate his life and death.
Robinson, 29, was shot on November 18, 1973 when he responded to the incident where a man was beating his wife. The suspect holed up in his house and engaged officers in a shootout during with Robinson was shot as he took cover behind his patrol car.
The suspect, 23, was arrested at the scene.
Also remembered on Saturday was Newburgh City Officer Robert Betanzos who was killed when a hit-and-run driver struck him as he directed traffic on the waterfront after Fourth of July activities. He died days later on July 12, 1977 at the hospital.
The suspect, who fled at a high rate of speed, was taken into custody after striking two additional cars and injuring 10 people.
Following the memorial at the cemetery, the Town of Newburgh held a street naming ceremony at the Intersection of Bill Robinson Way and Betanzos Way.
The cemetery memorial was held by the City of Newburgh Superior Officers’ Association and the city’s Police Benevolent Association.
