Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"Last Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Anonymous

I didnt know the Burt family but I remember watching Don's pregnant wife sing him "you are my sunshine" at his funeral. I was only 20 yrs old and in the middle of planning my wedding. I remember thinking "god I couldn't bare something like that". I cried my eyes out as the local tv stations broadcasted Don's funeral. Years later in Jan of 2001 I found myself sitting behind Don's widow at the funeral of my husbands partner. There is nothing as heartbreaking as a policemans funeral, and on that day i cried again for Don and his family, Doug and his family , for all those who have loved and lost in the law enforcement community. I cried for my husband who lived and for all that he would have to go through. Now the trial is underway and Don's father has been so helpful and so sincere in his caring. Always asking how we are and how we are doing. Rest in peace Don you will never be forgotten.

an officers wife

To Officer Burt's wife and family: May you take some solace in knowing that your loved one died protecting and serving the public, and that God holds a special place for those who do so. I've lost several friends in my 20+ years as a cop, and every single time I learn of a line-of-duty death, it pains me. One of my friends, Dan R. Seely, was also murdered before his son was born. To the young Mr. Burt, your Dad IS a hero. He lives on, and smiles upon you always from heaven. You will meet him some day, but until then, be proud of him, as I know he is of you.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage Police Dept., Alaska

I recently found out about this web page after a friend of mine was also killed in the line of duty. I didn't know you very well, Don, but I went to school with your sister, Dani, and met you through her a few times. Our families lived down the road from one another on Hansen Ave.

My thoughts have been with you and your family since I heard of your death. I have thought about you many times over the years. I am truly sorry for the loss your family had to suffer at the hands of a worthless nothing. I am so pleased to hear that he recieved the death penalty.

My husband is a Deputy Sheriff and I pray every day that he comes home to me safely. I just want you and your family to know that you have not and will not ever be forgotten.

Laura Martinez (Formerly Martin)

Communication Supervisor
Casa Grande Police Dept, AZ

I was going thru all the earlier officers deaths this one sticks in my mind. I looked at his picture and read about him and the Baby that never got to see Dad. What a Terrible Terrible Tragedy. My son was also killed while on Duty. I know the Feeling. Billy was Killed July 10 2000. Why does life have to be so cruel? Kenny

Deputy Sheriff Kenny Hetrick
Ottawa county Sheriffs dept