Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Richard was first and foremost a good father, husband, friend, co - worker, and great Police Officer who cared about God & Family. He also cared about his brother and sister officers , and protecting the community. I placed a flag on his grave every year as I have done for 32 years. This year illness prevented me from completing this mission, but it was completed by another police officer. Richard was loved by most and those who didn't love him didn't know him.
Memory of Richard will ever be etched in my heart and soul.

Retired Sergeant Jeff Annunziata
City of Erie

July 8, 2024

Patrolman Burchick,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Erie. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 6, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 6, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Burchick.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 29, 2019

Godspeed and continue to rest in peace my brother.

Lieutenant Ray Flores (Ret.)
N.Y.P.D.

February 6, 2017

Uncle Rich was an incredible man, a leader and caring man. He is missed more than anyone can know.

William E. Harry
Nephew

May 28, 2016

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

February 5, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise.. Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

February 5, 2015

I didn't know until discussing the death of my friend Matt Tyner with my father that you were an academy classmate of his.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Tony Podpora
Colorado Springs Police Department

July 26, 2012

GOD BLESS THIS MAN AND HIS FAMILY
AND KNOW THAT THE ERIE COMMUNITY THANKS HIM
FOR HIS SERVICE AND COMMITTMENT TO PROTECT THE
PEOPLE OF ERIE PA


I KNOW THAT WHERE YOU ARE IS SAFER WITH YOU
THERE, BECAUSE YOU ARE ALWAYS A OFFICER
OF THE LAW BY HEART

GOD BLESS

AL J,

Agent- Rll
U.S Fugitive Recover Unit

January 17, 2012

On this anniversary of your EOW, please know that you are saluted for your service and sacrifice. Prayers of strength to your loved ones.

Sergeant Michelle Bradley
Cincinnati Police Department

February 5, 2010

To the family and friends of Patrolman Richard Burchick and his fellow officers:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Rich's memory on the eighteenth anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

Please know that the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement and police survivors will always be by your side on each step of the journey.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Richard gave to his community and the citizens of Pennsylvania, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 5, 1991.

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

Anonymous

February 5, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

February 4, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

January 15, 2008

I was too young at the time of his tragic death to really know Rich, but what I do know and remember is what he meant to my family. He was my dad's partner and best friend. Not a day goes by that I don't wish we still had Rich here. I have nothing but fond memories of him and the time our families spent together. I wish more people had the opportunity to have Rich touch their lives, and I hope all who knew and loved him find peace from his loss.

Lisa Herrmann

September 13, 2005

I Knew officer Burchick along time ago when he worked with my Brother Officer (Ret) Tom Carr (TC) As I remember Rich was a outstanding officer and a good person. He gave his life doing what he thought was the right thing to do. He is gone but he will never be forgotten. He is still a Beat Officer doing whats right just the Zone has changed. All Brothers and Sisters of Law Enforcement miss you.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Detective D.M. Carr
Forsyth County Ga, Sheriffs office

January 5, 2004