Deputy Sheriff Burton (Burt) Lopez Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Florida Saturday, April 25, 2009  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 62 of 63 of 64 of 65 of 66 of 6

To all who knew Burt & those who didn't, he was/is a great person. I think of Burt & the family often and I check this reflection site often to read the comments. Burt was like a brother/best friend to me and Burt, the family & I shared many great times together. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Burt. I wish there were more people like Burt out there because this world would be a much better place to live in. He was one of a kind and such a pleasure to be around. He was a great Dad, husband, family man, friend, & partner to all those he lived, worked, and played with. As you read all the reflections I wish that a piece of all that Burt was made of would become a small part of each of us. Burt & all the Okaloosa County Sheriff Department members, my heart goes out to all of you and I pray you are all recovering from the loss of But, Skip, & Tony. May God be with all of you always and keep all of you safe and to the family you are always in my prayers. Sincerely Burt's Life Long Friend,

Steven Goldman
San Antonio, TX

Steven Goldman
Friend
2009-10-14

Your case has been closed, the world seems to be healing and moving on, but there are so many of us that miss you and think of you and Skip and Tony every single day. I am honored to have known you and been your friend, and while I will never know why it worked out that I was the one on the other end of the radio that day; I know you knew it was me and that we all did everything we could to try to save you both. It doesn't get easier and the pain never lessens. You will never be forgotten, and your sacrifice was not in vain. My heart goes out to your family and friends and I know you are in the Lord's arms and finally at peace. I love you, brother.

KMB
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
2009-10-11

Burt was one of a kind. I went through the academy with Burt back in 2002/2003. He deffinately taught me a few things in the academy about life it self. He was always in a good mood and always had a smile.

You will be missed Burt.

Mike Wren
Friend
2009-09-03

I attended the service for Deputy Sheriff Lopez as part of my agencie's Honor Guard. I was honored to do so... you have not been forgotten.

Corporal RA Capps
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
2009-08-23

Our hero of blue has fallen
A time of peace is calling
For you to go with God above
He'll give you wings of blue with love
To send a message for everyone
To remember a life and what was done
A dream fulfilled of our angel of blue
We honor you for the job you swore to do
A promise was kept from a hero like you
You put your life on the line each day
To protect and serve in everyway
And to give you thanks we will do our part
To share your message and to keep you in our heart

Josh Bennett
Valparaiso Police Dept FL
2009-08-10

I want to offer my condolences to this truly dedicated Deputy and his family. It's a shame to hear that another Deputy has paid the ultimate sacrifice. We protect our communities from harm but take the risk of not coming home. I appreciate the service you have given us.

(10-7) Deputy Burton Lopez " You Will Deeply Missed And Never Forgotten.

Chief Jack F Harris
Phoenix Police Department
2009-07-30

Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Rest in peace.
Angie

Sergeant Hogeboom
Walton County S.O.
2009-07-29

R.I.P.

SGT.
NYPD
2009-07-27

Burt,

It's been 9 months today....it still so hard to believe you're gone.

We miss you each day that passes.

May God bring peace and comfort to you and your family.

The Andersons
Crestview Fl
2009-07-26

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Anonymous

2009-07-25

Rest in peace my brother in blue. Thank you for your service.

Reserve Deputy K. Edge
WCSO
2009-07-25

REST IN PEACE.

PO ADAMS
NYPD 46 PCT
2009-07-19

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

2009-06-24

To Deputy Burt Lopez, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Burt's death and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Lopez family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Burt's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Burt gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 25, 2009.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

2009-06-22

:( I miss you 'Batman'...my friend.

Lj

2009-06-21

Once again, the “Thin Blue Line” between peace and anarchy has stretched a little thinner with this tragic loss.

Just a short time ago, I tried to recruit you but you refused, smiled that warm smile of yours and said, “I can’t Lt. I love what I am doing.” Those of us that worked with you know that statement could be no truer – you loved what you were doing.

In John 15:13, The Bible says, “No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.” On April 25, 2009, you gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Okaloosa County. For that, we will be forever in your debt.

I know it is no consolation for your family but I want them to know their husband, their father, their brother, and their son is, and was, a true professional, and a hero in all respects. He upheld the highest traditions of both the military and the law enforcement professions. The words on his badge, “Honesty” and “Integrity” are not just words. They were a way of life for Burt and he stood steadfast on those principles, even under the most trying of times. He was a positive influence and he touched the lives of each and every person with whom he came in contact. Those of us who worked with him are hurting and grieving with you, because we too have lost a brother. With this loss, none of our lives can ever be the same.

Burt, You can rest now, we have the watch. The pain and sorrow we are feeling now will eventually fade with time – but you will always be in our hearts. I know the arms of the Lord are wrapped around you and I know we will see you again.

Rest in Peace Brother… It is with a heavy heart that I render you a tearful and final salute.

Lt. Ken Christmas

2009-06-16

Bless you brother for your sacrifice.

Jenny Evans Patrolman
Niles City PD
2009-06-09

Thank you Deputy Lopez ...you will always be remembered and you r family will remain in our prayers.

Jane Harris/civilian
Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office
2009-06-05

Hero. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

2009-06-03

God Bless you Sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO
2009-06-02

You are a hero. You tried to talk with this person and showed him much respect and lost your life. Your gentle and kind spirit show in your face. You are a remarkable human being. I appreciate your sacrifice. It's just hard to figure people out. Your family will never understand, but you did what you were sworn into do. Protect, honor and serve. May your family find peace. They knew a HERO up close and personal.

Sharon Atkins Identical Twin Sister of Norfolk, VA Police Officer also shot and killed in the line of duty EOW
01-16-03

Sharon Atkins

2009-05-28

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2009-05-23

Burt – Growing up in St Louis with you will always be a treasured memory for me…You was more like a brother than a cousin. Playing for endless hours in the back yard with Hotwheel Cars and making dirt roads are some of my favorite memories. Like most people, as we got older our lives took us in different directions and didn’t stay in touch like we should have. An occasional family reunion is the only time we would get to see each other. You were taken away from us way to soon. You will be truly missed! I know that God welcomed you home with open arms.

Jeanne
Cousin - Arnold, MO
2009-05-19

Deputy Sheriff Lopez,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USAF. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

2009-05-09

My prayers are with the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sister of
Deputy Harold Michael Altman EOW 1/30/07

Marcia Altman Grandstaff

2009-05-09