Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez,

We are so sorry to here about your tragic loss of Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in support during this very difficult time. We know that sometimes there is little comfort that comes from words. Keep focused as you can on the memories and joyous times for these things may bring you comfort. Rely heavily on family, friends, and other law enforcement for support. Honor your fallen loved one, for their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Deputy Sheriff Burton Lopez is a hero.

Respectfully,

Alissa Scott
Widow of Beryl Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-04

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network

Anonymous

June 24, 2009

To Deputy Burt Lopez, to all family members and friends who call him beloved, and to his law enforcement family:

I was sorry to learn of Burt's death and extend my sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you have suffered. Words are insufficient to describe the sadness I feel for the Lopez family. May you find comfort in your faith and the support of the law enforcement community.

There are many police survivors who share this same journey with you, and that community will be there to support you. Burt's memory will be forever honored and revered.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Burt gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 25, 2009.

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

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

:( I miss you 'Batman'...my friend.

Lj

June 21, 2009

Once again, the “Thin Blue Line” between peace and anarchy has stretched a little thinner with this tragic loss.

Just a short time ago, I tried to recruit you but you refused, smiled that warm smile of yours and said, “I can’t Lt. I love what I am doing.” Those of us that worked with you know that statement could be no truer – you loved what you were doing.

In John 15:13, The Bible says, “No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.” On April 25, 2009, you gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Okaloosa County. For that, we will be forever in your debt.

I know it is no consolation for your family but I want them to know their husband, their father, their brother, and their son is, and was, a true professional, and a hero in all respects. He upheld the highest traditions of both the military and the law enforcement professions. The words on his badge, “Honesty” and “Integrity” are not just words. They were a way of life for Burt and he stood steadfast on those principles, even under the most trying of times. He was a positive influence and he touched the lives of each and every person with whom he came in contact. Those of us who worked with him are hurting and grieving with you, because we too have lost a brother. With this loss, none of our lives can ever be the same.

Burt, You can rest now, we have the watch. The pain and sorrow we are feeling now will eventually fade with time – but you will always be in our hearts. I know the arms of the Lord are wrapped around you and I know we will see you again.

Rest in Peace Brother… It is with a heavy heart that I render you a tearful and final salute.

Lt. Ken Christmas

June 16, 2009

Bless you brother for your sacrifice.

Jenny Evans Patrolman
Niles City PD

June 9, 2009

Thank you Deputy Lopez ...you will always be remembered and you r family will remain in our prayers.

Jane Harris/civilian
Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office

June 5, 2009

Hero. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

June 3, 2009

God Bless you Sir.

Rick F.
Ret. CO

June 2, 2009

You are a hero. You tried to talk with this person and showed him much respect and lost your life. Your gentle and kind spirit show in your face. You are a remarkable human being. I appreciate your sacrifice. It's just hard to figure people out. Your family will never understand, but you did what you were sworn into do. Protect, honor and serve. May your family find peace. They knew a HERO up close and personal.

Sharon Atkins Identical Twin Sister of Norfolk, VA Police Officer also shot and killed in the line of duty EOW
01-16-03

Sharon Atkins

May 28, 2009

"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

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

May 23, 2009

Burt – Growing up in St Louis with you will always be a treasured memory for me…You was more like a brother than a cousin. Playing for endless hours in the back yard with Hotwheel Cars and making dirt roads are some of my favorite memories. Like most people, as we got older our lives took us in different directions and didn’t stay in touch like we should have. An occasional family reunion is the only time we would get to see each other. You were taken away from us way to soon. You will be truly missed! I know that God welcomed you home with open arms.

Jeanne
Cousin - Arnold, MO

May 19, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Lopez,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the USAF. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

May 9, 2009

My prayers are with the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sister of
Deputy Harold Michael Altman EOW 1/30/07

Marcia Altman Grandstaff

May 9, 2009

On behalf of my fellow recruits from the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Deputy Lopez. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Recruit Brent Fane
Zone 5 Academy

May 7, 2009

rest in peace brother

provincial constable marty lalonde
ontario provincial police

May 6, 2009

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Deputy Lopez and may they know you will never be forgotten. Thank you Deputy Lopez for your dedicated service to the people of Florida and the United States.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

May 5, 2009

May God bless you and your family and friends during there time of need. Thank you for your service Brother.

PO James McPartland Jr
Mount Vernon PD NY

May 5, 2009

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will always be our hero. God Bless and Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN

May 4, 2009

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch now.

Ofc. Michael Walker

May 4, 2009

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

May 4, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion
Proverbs 28:1

God bless you and all who mourn you. May God give them the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

May 3, 2009

Burt was an awesome citizen hero. His service for his country and community made a difference in the world. He will be greatly missed.

CMSgt (Retired) Tony Wyatt
US Air Force

May 3, 2009

You are a true hero...I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers

Sgt.
Walton County S.O

May 3, 2009

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. WE ARE PRAYING FOR THEM. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKER FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD!!

5167
HCSD

May 2, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Sgt Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

May 2, 2009