Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, April 25, 2009
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 9, 2024
Burt, I learned of your line of duty death reading a police magazine and it hit me hard as I thought back to our time at Altus AFB, our lifting workouts, Tyson fights at your house, and babysitting your kids with my wife. I think of you often my ole friend. You will always be a hero for the sacrifice you made. I hope the families pain has eased some but know it will never be gone nor will you be forgotten. Rest easy by brother.
Sgt Mike Gosh
Jefferson Co WI retired
April 8, 2022
I knew MSgt Lopez while we served a Ellsworth AFB, SD. I was saddened by his death and know he paid the ultimate price for protecting the pubic. In this day and age, I continue to defend the rule of law and in his memory, believe police departments require more funding, not less.
anonymous
comrade-in-arms
June 13, 2020
Deputy Lopez, 11 years ago today you and your partner where brutally murdered while trying to wrest a domestic abuser. Rest in heavenly peace
Mark Mottola
April 25, 2020
Thank you for your service.
Tamie Peterson
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
April 20, 2020
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Lopez.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
March 21, 2020
I recently learned of Deputy Burt Lopez's passing through a mutual friend of ours from grade school at Fremont elementary in St. Louis, Mo. Burt was a good kid. Shy and quiet. I still have a picture of that little boy from those days and will treasure it even more so now. We will always keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers my friend.
Joseph E Landa
Grade school Classmate
October 07 2019
October 7, 2019
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Lopez.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
April 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA
April 25, 2019
Deputy Sheriff Lopez,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USAF. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
April 25, 2019
Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.
Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department
July 29, 2018
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
April 25, 2018
The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.
Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.
A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9
Executive Director, Florida Sheriffs Ass
Florida Sheriffs Association
August 7, 2016
Burt, you are thought of and missed each and every day. I will never forget the good times we had as kids. RIP
Jeanne
Cousin
April 25, 2015
Thank you for your sacrifice. Rest easy now brother, we have it from here.
Agent C Clouchete
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
December 14, 2014
Every year I read the reflections and am so proud to have called this man my husband! I thank everyone who has and continues to leave messages. Burt you are missed every day. Our children have such warm and funny memories of you. Madi was so young when you were killed yet her memories are still strong. Even Caleb remembers so many things about you. My heart feels broken without you. I love you dearly and always will.
Michelle
Wife
March 27, 2014
Burt,
Another year has passed. Your family, friends, co-workers and fellow brothers and sisters elsewhere still grieve your loss. You touched so many lives in a positive way, and it shows in the reflections left on this page.
Three verses come to mind when I think of all you and your family has sacrificed for the safety of others.
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as the lion." Proverbs 28:1
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
and finally
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9
You are truly a hero, and heros never die......rest in peace my friend.
Stephanie Irvine Anderson
Dispatcher/Friend - Citrus County Sheriff's Office
April 25, 2013
We will never forget... Continue to rest in peace Deputy Lopez and again, thank you sir for a job well done....
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL
April 25, 2013
He was my friend and I miss him, daily.
He was such a great guy !!
Corporal (Retired)
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
April 24, 2013
Burt Lopez is my uncle and I miss him. Its horrifying someone did this to him!
tabitha schwandt
Neice
June 10, 2012
Burt,
I could not let today go by without telling you that you are still very much missed by many. You are thought of daily and will never ever be forgotten by your family, friends, and co-workers. Continue to rest in peace my friend. My prayers are with your family, today and always.
Stephanie Irvine Anderson
Dispatcher/Friend - Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Inverness Fl.
April 25, 2012
Burt, It's been 3 years today that we received the sad, sad news that you had been taken from us. You are missed each and every day. R.I.P.
Jeanne
Cousin
April 25, 2012
My prayers are with the Lopez family today and always, we have not forgotten your hero. Continue to rest in peace Deputy Lopez and thank you sir for a job well done....
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL
April 25, 2012
Rest in Peace, Deputy Lopez. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
February 14, 2012
Hey Dad,
The reflections show the difference you made in life; you always put others before yourself. It is difficult, more difficult than I ever imagined, but I know that you are with me. Even at 27, I am still the boy who wants to grow up and be just like his dad. I still rely on you to give me the strength to do what I need to do and live a life for others. Help me go where I need to go and make a positive difference in the world like you have.
I love you, miss you, and want to make you proud.
Jesse Lopez
Son
December 28, 2011
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