Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 16, 2007

Don's story impacted me profoundly. Soon after his untimely death, I would find myself standing in front of his memorial on the wall of the Chevron station, paying my respects to an amazing man I didn't even know. My husband gratuated from the academy the year Don passed and not a day has gone by that I'd like to think Don watches out for him, and all of his fellow officers. Thank you, Kristin, for being a remarkable symbol of fatih and strength.

Wife of a CHP officer

August 16, 2007

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Please keep a watchful eye from above.

Detective
Orlando Police Dept.

August 8, 2007

I just saw your story on Court TV and I can relate to the pain and suffering that was brought upon so many loving people by one individual who had no regard for others. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and I know they think of you every single day and will continue to do so for as long as they walk this earth. You are a true hero and heroes never die. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 8, 2007

Don, I still remember when you and Kristin met. We were all working at the Wherehouse in Whittier. What a great guy you were. I still remember being just stunned when I heard the news about you. When Kristin sang "You are my sunshine" at the funeral, it stayed with me so much that I now sing it to my 2 year old son every night. When he is older, I will tell my son about the brave officer who gave him life to make our safer. God bless you, Kristin, Cameron, and their family. You will always be in my prayers.

Antoinette Picon Hewitt

January 15, 2007

I was off-duty nearby when the shooting took place. To this day, I wonder how I would have responded, if I had seen a CHP cruiser on the freeway with the ambers on, being driven by a civilian. I visit the shooting scene to show others, and I only wish that the new car wash did not obscure the plaque that has been placed in memory of Officer BURT..... RIP Don Joseph BURT Semper Fi, M. B. P.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

August 14, 2006

God, has it been ten years already? It still hurts. So Cameron must be in 4th or 5th grade this year. I hope he and Kristen are doing well. Its sounds like it from her post here. God Bless you all.

July 19, 2006

10 yrs ago today. We will never forget! God Bless the Burt family.

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

July 13, 2006

Don, you are not forgotten.

May 10, 2006

Don, You were one of the first officers I met while on my cadet ride a longs. After becoming an officer, I lived just .75 miles from the Coco's, and was hurt by your death. I visit the site and your plaque whenever I get a chance. You are not forgotten. I was great to know you, John.

Officer J. Owen # 14629
California Highway Patrol

March 13, 2006

I am in law enforcement and work for a small police department. I saw Officer Burt's story on Arrest & Trial and was very moved. You were a brave man. I think every officer is. You were taken from this world to early and may God Bless each and every subject that wears the badge. To the family of Officer Burt, you are in our prayers. The thin blue line, "Heroes Live Forever".

October 11, 2005

Kristen, Gene and I wanted to say congratulations on Damon. I'm sure Cameron LOVES his baby brother. Patrick loves his baby sister, McKenna(8-10-2004). Gene talked to me about Don the other day...told me some stories from the academy. We are glad things are going well for you and hope they continue to do so. You and Don and Cameron will always be held dear to us.

Gene and Marsha
California Highway Patrol

September 25, 2005

Don,
I live near the 57 freeway and the Nutwood exit. It's the exit I take to get home to my family everyday from work. I think about you everytime I pass that parking lot by the gas station and the Denny's which was a Coco's back in 1996. I just wanted to say thank you Don. You're a heroe in my eyes and I will always remember you as one. Rest in Peace brother. I'll never forget you.

JP P3
LAPD

July 8, 2005

Don, you paid the ultimate price. Your bravery and courage will never be forgotten brother. Don, watch over us.

Paul D. (Zukey)

July 8, 2005

Officer Burt you are a true hero, may God Bless you, and your family, RIP brother.
Pecos Police Department
Pecos Texas.

March 26, 2005

Officer Burt, I just read your memorial and reflections. I have 3 children, my youngest is 2.5yrs (boy). I can't imagine what your family went through when you were tragically taken from them. I worry about what would happen if I was taken from my family. I read the reflection left by your widow's husband. It is wonderful that she found someone who loves her, your son, and has pledged to keep your memory alive. You truly will never be forgotten!!!!

Officer Bill Clock
Ann Arbor, MI Police Dept.

March 11, 2005

Hi Hon...well, here it is now coming up on 9 years since you were taken from us. So much has changed! I guess the biggest one is that Cameron has a new little brother, Damon. You would be so proud of Cameron...he just loves his brother so much and he's wonderful with Damon. Cameron is exactly like you, in looks and personality, and in some ways it's like having you here. Your birthday just passed...you would have been 34 years old. I can't imagine what you would be like, because you are forever frozen in time at 25! I think about you all the time, and we talk about you quite a bit. You will never ever be forgotten, and I love you forever.

Kristin Burt Cooper, widow of Don Burt

February 20, 2005

I'm not sure why, but I occasionally check Officer Burt's reflections. I'm glad to know that his son has a new Dad in his life, and that he has such a positive attitude toward Officer Burt. God works in mysterious ways, and I'm sure Don is smiling up there. You are all part of the family of cops.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 16, 2004

Officer Burt,

Your memorial was the first I ever read on this sight. I guess it stuck in my mind because I was so mad, I couldn't even sleep after reading what happened. I visit your memorial often, I know your son will be proud. Rest in Peace My Brother....Gone but never forgotten.

Officer
NC

July 10, 2004

I remember the immortal words spoken during the Battle of Britain, "Never has so much been owed by so many to so few." these are words that will always explain how much a police officer gives to those he is sworn to protect, and these words explain how much Officer Burt gave to his fellow man, and how do you repay someone who makes the ultimate sacrifice?
Officer Burt you are a hero and you are immortal through your son.

Retired police officer.

July 2, 2004

My heart goes out to you.  God bless you and your child. 

Dan
Concerned Citizen

I can't believe it's been almost 4 years, hon.  Life has been such a whirlwind since you were taken from us.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you excruciatingly.  But all I have to do is look at our son, and you are here with me.  He looks, and ACTS, exactly like you!  (Is that good or bad?  haha)  The scum that took your life just received the death penalty this past week.  Although I know it is what he deserved, it is not enough for me.  Life will never ever be the same without you here, and our son needs his daddy so much!  I just wanted to let you know how much we love you and miss you.  Keep watching over all of us and lead us in your direction.

Kristin Burt
widow, California Highway Patrol

GOD BLESS YOU DON. I REMEMBER THOSE TIMES IN THE ACADEMY WHEN WE WOULD GO OUT FOR A FEW BEERS AND TALK ABOUT OUR FUTURES AS COPS. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

BILL 13987

OFFICER BILL KENNY
CHP

Dear Don: I never got to meet you, but have heard so much about you years after your tragic death. The stories I have been told make me think that we would have gotten along very well and had similar tastes in various things in life. I have been fortunate enough to meet your family and friends through Kristin and consider it an honor to now be included as part of the Burt clan. The last two years of my life have now become the best to me after marrying Kristin and having Cameron as the son I never had. I hope to be the father figure to Cameron that you were robbed of being. You will still play a major role in Cameron's life because I won't let him forget who you were and always will be. I want you to know that Kristin and Cameron will be loved and looked after.

Russell Cooper
Kristin's husband and Cameron's new dad

Although I didn't know you until that horrible night, I have become a part of your family. Your son and mine have played together. He is a great kid and one day will know what his Father stood for. I will always be on watch for you. I pray to God for his protection over Kristin and your son.

Reserve Officer M. Lyman
Orange PD