Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It's been 46 years since your life was taken Police Officer Burton Begay. It's a day I'll never forget. I am both sad and grateful sir. You gave your life to protect all the students there that day, including me. I still remember the call over the intercom for all students to get down and stay down. I remember learning, before leaving school that day, that a police officer had been shot and killed. I remember after school that day, when I arrived home, my Mom held on to me like she didn't want to ever let me go. God bless you Officer Begay. I can only hope my life's work is worthy of your sacrifice. My prayers to your family, especially your children who grew up without you.

LT, Roger Taylor
Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Reserve Bureau

November 16, 2021

RIP HERO! You are remembered today for your bravery!

Frmr Sheriff's Deputy
Marion County Sheriff, Indiana

May 5, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

November 16, 2012

Ahe'hee ("Thank you" in Navajo) for all your condolenscences.

My mother, older brother and I are doing fine. Your prayers and sympathy mean a lot to us.

We are doing our best to make our father proud and hope that we will continue to ensure that his name does not go in vain.

Thank you, again.

Phil R. Begay, Son of Fallen Police Officer, Burton Begay.

Phil R. Begay
2nd son of Burton Begay

June 11, 2012

I just wanted to send my continued prayers to your family. RIP Officer Burton Begay.

Calandra Yazzie-Gishie
Navajo Nation (PO wife)

July 23, 2011

My thanks to Officer Begay who gave is life for my safety, and the safety of all the students there that day. I still remember the call over the intercom for all students to get down and stay down. My prayers are with you and your family.

roger
Student at the school that day

February 1, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I am puzzled and saddened by what appears to be a woefully inadequate sentence.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 17, 2010

it has been that long ago, when our class was told to get down on the floor and stay down. I guess time goes by quick, thank you sir.

greatful student.

April 21, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 5, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 29, 2007

Peace Makers

With a shiny new badge pinned to
their chest, they walk proudly. With an
oath to protect and to serve ingrained into
their minds.
When a Peace Maker Falls.
It makes for a greater place in Heaven
and a lonelier place on earth, who shall
take their place for they are a special breed
they are not made, but they are born for it.
When a Peace Maker Falls.
They leave behind loved ones and fond
memories of time spent together
When a Peace Maker Falls
Like a ripple in a still pond their
lost is felt in ever widening circles.
another angel has taken their place
on heavens scene. And again another
pins on a shiny new badge.
When a Peace Maker Falls.

August 29, 2007

Wrong number of children its two, myself and older brother, Donnie R. Begay.

Thanks, for the page, great. Phil

Phil R. Begay
Son to Burton Begay

February 10, 2007

May you Rest in peace and may Our Lord bless your loved ones.

November 17, 2006

I can still hear the gunshots to this day. Sounds that sent our normal day into a state of fear and uncertainty. Being in the 3rd grade, at that elementary school, one couldn't help feeling as such. The shots rang out for several more minutes as our teacher told us to stay on the floor as she locked the classroom door. Little did I know, your life was taken in those several minutes. At the end of the day, I learned a Navajo Police Officer had died from the gun battle. I didn't know you, but I was thankful there was a brave police officer on duty that day; to protect myself and the many other children that were in school that day. Many times, I've thought about your sacrifice as I pass by your monument placed at the school in your remembrance. You are not forgotten. Rest in peace Brother, as we continue to stand ready at the "line" to protect the innocent.

Navajo Police Officer

Navajo Police Officer
Navajo Division of Public Safety

April 24, 2006

Rest in peace

Concerned citizenl