Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest In Peace

Nick mottola
None

August 12, 2020

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

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

August 12, 2020

To the Bates family:

I am a retired Detective from the Juneau Alaska Police Department, and currently on the Alaska Governor Security Detail.

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Berke’s death. I first met Berke about 5 years ago in Austin, Texas while attending the Texas DPS Dignitary Protection school. At that time Berke was assigned to the Governor Detail with SC Troopers. I instantly liked Berke, as his sense of humor was unique and appealed to my nature. (At the training Berke had nicknamed me “Baked Alaska” due to the 110 degree heat).

We crossed each other’s paths a few more times at NGA Confrences in Washington DC. Each time we met, I knew Berke to have always had a smile, a laugh, a serious “all business” side and a wickedly unique sense of humor. He seemed the sort of man I would have truly enjoyed working with - although I believe had we done so, his and my sense of humor would have landed us in some Captains office somewhere getting our butts chewed...and am sure we’d be giggling like schoolboys as the frustrated Captain did so. (Command Staff just don’t understand being “unique” enriches a department...)

I grieve for your loss and wish I had the words to better express my heartfelt condolences. Be assured Berke is fondly remembered and missed all the way up in Alaska.

Detective Kenneth Jennings
Alaska Governor Security Detail

September 13, 2018

To the Bates family:

I am a retired Detective from the Juneau Alaska Police Department, and currently on the Alaska Governor Security Detail.

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Burke’s death. I first met Burke about 5 years ago in Austin, Texas while attending the Texas DPS Dignitary Protection school. At that time Burke was assigned to the Governor Detail with SC Troopers. I instantly liked Burke, as his sense of humor was unique and appealed to my nature. (At the training Burke had nicknamed me “Baked Alaska” due to the 110 degree heat).

We crossed each other’s paths a few more times at NGA Confrences in Washington DC. Each time we met, I knew Burke to have always had a smile, a laugh, a serious “all business” side and a wickedly unique sense of humor. He seemed the sort of man I would have truly enjoyed working with - although I believe had we done so, his and my sense of humor would have landed us in some Captains office somewhere getting our butts chewed...and am sure we’d be giggling like schoolboys as the frustrated Captain did so. (Command Staff just don’t understand being “unique” enriches a department...)

I grieve for your loss and wish I had the words to better express my heartfelt condolences. Be assured Burke is fondly remembered and missed all the way up in Alaska.

Detective Kenneth Jennings
Alaska Governor Security Detail

September 13, 2018

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Berke was killed.

To the Bates family, fellow officers, and all who call Berke beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Trooper Bates gave to his community and the citizens of Virginia and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 12, 2017

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 27, 2018

I pray that everyone will find comfort in Revelation 21:4, where it says "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Until we can see all of our loved ones again in Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 21, 2018

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. As you join our brothers and sisters in the hall of heroes, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vires et Honorem

PTLM Frank Kapusta Retired
Mohawk PD

September 9, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 who’s 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

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

September 8, 2017

A real "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

September 7, 2017

May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall. And this one was a terrible loss. A man who without care for his own safety did such a noble thing. I hope his family will find some type of peace during this time of mourning. God will not let them down. Keep Faith and know he is in a better place.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

September 6, 2017

Avenue of the Fallen
Standing at attention in their class “A “uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452) Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Retired Elected Sheriff, Jim Weaver
Jerome County Sheriff Office, Jerome, Idaho

August 26, 2017

Berke was a good man; funny and full of life. He graduated ranked 1st in the 107th Basic Trooper Session, where I first met him. I'm proud to have worked along side him. God bless you, Berke.

Sergeant Sterling Johnson
Virginia State Police

August 24, 2017

Thank you for your service and sacrifice and may you rest in peace. God bless you and your family.

Commonwealth's Attorney Travis Bird
Spotsylvania County

August 22, 2017

R.I.P. BROTHER Bates!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

August 21, 2017

Thank you for your dedicated service to your community and to your department. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May they never forget your faithful service to your community and department and the brave HERO that you were. To Mrs. Bates, children, family, friends and co-workers, our heartfelt prayers and sympathies are with you now and forever. May God be with you all during this very sorrowful time. Words will never compensate the loss you have suffered. We pray that He now gives you all strength in your time of need. May you find peace in the thought, that we as friends in law enforcement, take this time to lift you up in prayer.

For your act of unselfish bravery and courage Trooper Pilot Bates, we salute you. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Denise & Erin Hunter, Widow and Daughter
Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter, Grand Prairie (TX) PD, EOW: 6-18-04

August 20, 2017

RIP Brother. May God be with your Family and loved ones. Rest easy now. Protect from above.

Officer Steven Austin
Lawrence TWP P.D. (NJ)

August 19, 2017

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Trooper Pilot Berke Bates during this very difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May their times spent together bring forth happy memories to last a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and dedication to your community. Rest in peace Trooper Bates.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2/16/2004

August 19, 2017

God Speed, Brother.

Sgt. K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 19, 2017

Every morning I go to my knees. During that time I pray Psalm 91 over all LEO’s and this prayer also:

“Lord, Be with all law enforcement officers. Keep them safe and free from harm. They are Your soldiers on the front line of the battle against evil. If one should fall this day - wrap their family in your loving arms. Surround them with Your angels, loving family, friends, neighbors and caring people to comfort them. Ease their pain. Help them to mourn well. In Jesus' name and for Your Glory, Amen.”

Feel His presence as God answers the prayers of many who have fallen to their knees on your behalf. Since the day of my son's death, I have carried every law enforcement officer and their family in my heart.

I have lifted your family to God every morning for over six years. I pray that Berke's life and death will bring glory to His name.

Trust those prayers. God is with you; He knows and will ease your pain.

Our faith helps us to see beyond the grave.

Pamela Hotsinpiller
Mother of
Deputy United States Marshal
Derek W. Hotsinpiller
EOW 2-16-2011

August 18, 2017

Rest In Peace brother. From your BLUE family at Palm Bay Police Department.

Officer Christina Martin
Palm Bay Police Department

August 18, 2017

Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.

Officer A. Sneed
Spring I.S.D police Department

August 18, 2017

RIP Brother, RIP.

Q. Warren, Investigator
Alaska AGO, Special Prosecutions

August 17, 2017

With Deepest Sympathy.

Deputy Sheriff
Orange County Sheriffs Office

August 16, 2017

Rest in Peace Trooper Bates. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bates Family and the Virginia State Police.

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP, Trafic & Escort Unit

August 16, 2017

Rest in peace brother.

Patrolman Stephen Trejo
Donna I.S.D. Police Department

August 15, 2017