Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Don,

My brother Greg was haunted by your death for the rest of his life. I know he was one of your FTOs and you also became good friends. Greg told me how he was the first officer on scene and with you during your last moments. On a ride along he even took me to the scene and showed me your plaque.
He took his life ten years after you lost yours and I hope that you two are together. Perhaps you got to FTO him in heaven. He would have liked that.

SGT Richard Dixon
Tucson Police Department, AZ

September 23, 2012

Yo, Brah:

Before I became "A Beach Bum," I often re - visited that site, and I was a bit upset when a car wash had been erected obstructing view of the plaque. The only way to actually see the plaque, One would actually have to be An Employee, because the plaque’s location is well beyond the area that Customers are allowed to pass. I care not; I still visit that site, and I photograph that plaque, just to make sure that it still exists

In fact, I am long - overdue for A Visit....

(May You Rest - In - Peace, as yet another CHP Officer has been Shot......Sigh)

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

Michael B. Parlor

September 4, 2012

I always think of officer Burt when I drive by the location so close to home. I had a two year old daughter at the time and it always makes me think of his son. God Bless officer Burt's family wherever you are I know he is proud.

Scott Hugins
none

July 24, 2012

You are not forgotten, God bless.

Jeff Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

June 24, 2012

Don,
I will never forget the great times we shared together in the Academy. You were such a competitor and would never quit. I still tell people in Santa Ana about our boxing match. I know we would have been an awesome graveyard car. I try to honor your memory every day when I work the road. You would be so proud of "Cavi" and "Brother Jack", they are both awesome Sergeants. You were a great Officer and friend. Rest in peace buddy, I miss you.

Officer Aaron S. Knarr
CHP

October 31, 2011

Don, I can't believe that it has been 15 years. I still remember hearing of your death and being in shock. Even though we hadn't seen each other since the 8th grade, I remember you always being willing to help and that you got along with everyone. I have a picture of you and Becky Worley at the Halloween dance, Dr. Burt, lol. Seems impossible that you aren't with us any longer but I know that you are in a better place and you are watching over your family and friends everyday, as usual. God Bless you, your son, your wife and her husband! My thoughts and prayers are with them! Sherri

Sherri Schlenker (Grissom)
Went to Perris Jr High together

July 15, 2011

Donnie ( As I called him ),
We lost touch after I moved from Perris. When I heard of your death I was so sad. I was not able to attend your funeral but I watched it on T.V. As many people, I never had the chance to tell you thank you. I was not part of the "in" crowd in high school but you always were kind to me. I will never forget how you always encouraged me during swim meets by giving me the thumbs up or winks to make me feel at ease. You always found a way to uplift and encourage me. I have never forgotten what you did for me and how you made an awkward girl who was much out of place feel accepted. I remember your strong ethics in school. Once during a School Halloween Haunted House you were scratched by a prop "Freddie Kruger" blade hand. You were so concerned that others might be injured by the prop and asked for it to be removed. You had a strong conviction even as a young teenage man to serve and protect people.
Thank you Donnie for being the who you were...you made an impact on more people's lives then you ever knew.
Always remembered and never forgotten...

Cheryl Travis
Criminal Justice Administration Major
Perris High Classmate

Cheryl Travis
Friend From High School

July 14, 2011

Kris, if you still read these posts, we wanted to say hello! I bet Cameron REALLY looks like Don these days huh? 15 this year...ready to teach him to drive? We hope you are doing very well. We have relocated to the Red Bluff (Cottonwood IF). If you ever get up this way we would love to see the whole family :) Have a great summer!

Gene and Marsha
CHP

June 26, 2011

Yeah I remember watching this also on TrueTV formally called CourtTV and the name of the show was called arrest and trial and I still have that recording of course and oh yeah that was really sad that he did like that. But his sacrifice will absolutely remain honor of course

Civilian Brinkman
Simi Valley

May 26, 2011

I'm so sorry Don. You were a great guy, friend and roommate with your whole life and dreams ahead. I appreciate your commitment to CHP (and following your dad's footsteps)...and the ultimate sacrifice you made to keep us safe.

Noah Davis
College Roommate

January 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fourteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I'm sure you remain their sunshine.


Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 13, 2010

Don,
We used to joke and kid around with you, when you came to Western Medical Center, where we worked back then. Chris and I always enjoyed seeing you. Chris is a cop in Georgia now, and I am down the street at Santa Ana College now. Always remember you...

S. DeMaria, Officer
Santa Ana College Safety Dept.

June 23, 2010

My problem with all of these wrongful deaths is no punishment to match. This was a waste..I hate he never got to know his child..may you continue to rest in peace...Godspeed

Former LEO

May 11, 2010

I remember reading about this murder and never forgetting it. Don, you were much loved - a husband, father-to-be, son, and uncle "onky donky" to your family. I am glad that your child, whom you never got to see, is doing well. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

March 27, 2010

Don, I spoke about you yesterday and I guess I just wanted to say that I haven't forgotten about you. I can't visit your memorial as much since I've moved, but I don't need that to remember you. I too was at the hospital that evening and it was terrible. My wife and I talk about you often so you are always with us.

J. Owen, #14629 Officer
CHP

November 13, 2009

Rest in Peace, Officer Burt. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2009

I still remember the night I worked on Officer Don Burt in the trauma room at UCI Medical Center. I remember seeing the California Highway Patrol patch on the uniform that the paramedics had cut in their attempt to save him. I remember our team desperately trying to save his life and realizing that we could not. I remember holding his head as we rolled him off the backboard and hearing a bullet drop out of his tattered uniform onto the hard plastic backboard beneath him. He had a short high and tight cut as the picture shows and I can remember the feeling of his hair mixed with his blood underneath my gloved hands. I also remember seeing his pregnant wife walk past the trauma room and feeling a profound sense of loss and anger. It has been 13 years since that night and I still think of Officer Burt at least 2 or 3 times a year. I was never able to talk with him or shake his hand, but I will never forget him.

Anonymous

October 16, 2009

Don, this has taken me a very long time to do.I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working for the Freeway Service Patrol up on the 57 and we got to work together a bunch. We talked the day the shooting happened, and I came to work the next day and could not beleive what had occured over night. I was at the crime scene every day after they removed the crime scene tape. I cant even remember how many times I stopped to see the fast growing memorial. I cried alot over this shooting, we became such good friends.
I am now a cop myself and I will never forget what you went through and I hope I dont let anything like that happen to me. Don I have already lost a nother friend who is on the web page, I ask for you to please look over all of us down on earth protecting and serving, please help keep us safe from the dirt bags who want to harm us.
Don rest in peace brother, may god bless you and your family, Always your friend.

Robi Brady

Deputy Sheriff
La Paz County

February 23, 2009

I met Officer Burt on the 5 Freeway (unfortunately, he was giving me a ticket at the time). It was just a short time later when I heard what happened in the news. He struck me as someone who was trying to do the best job possible and this was a terrible loss for his family. I see that his son now has a new daddy, and I pray that the family is gaining strength as time goes on. Rest in peace Don Burt.

Brian Byers
civilian

August 12, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, Va

July 13, 2008

I just watched your story on Court Tv. I am deeply saddened that you never got to say goodbye to your family or meet your baby. Your sacrifice was immense, and thanks to it a killer will never hurt another innocent person again. God bless you and all of those who love you. I have faith that you and all of our other brothers and sister lost too soon are with us every shift.

Deputy Sheriff
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

July 7, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

April 24, 2008

I lived only a short distance from the shooting back in 1996. I was stunned at the news and always think of Officer Burt and his family when I pass the Nutwood exit on the 57 fwy. I've visited the plaque on the wall of the gas station on several occasions and agree with the other poster that it's unfortunate that the car wash is in the way... I have friends in police work and have the utmost respect for those willing to risk it all for the rest of us. Rest in peace, Officer Burt.

Jeff Deutsch
Civilian

April 20, 2008

I also watched your story on CourtTV. It made me very sad and my heart goes out to you and your family. I am currently a recruit in a police academy and will be graduating soon. I will keep your story in the back of my mind, as I too start a police carrier. Thank you for your service and for making a difference in this world. Know that you will not be forgotten.

Recruit G. J. Meyers
Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland

November 14, 2007

Officer Don Burt - Your story is of inspiration to me and it gives me continued drive to become your brother in the CHP.

I know you rest well, in peace, with God.

--CHP Applicant

October 2, 2007