Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

City Marshal Burbank,
On today, the 70th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of DeWitt. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 2, 2024

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 59th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013

My grandfather, Harold Woodson, was sheriff of Arkansas county at the time. I still have a revolver that belonged to Chief Burbanks, a Colt New Navy .41...my brother has an envelope of crime scene photos that were found amongst my grandfather's files years later, including the death of Bob Burbank. Pretty bad deal...according to family stories, he was responding to a domestic dispute, and shot point blank through a screen door.

Chris Woodson
grandson of Arkansas County Sheriff Harold Woodson, formerly of DeWitt

December 16, 2011

I very well remember Chief Burbanks. I had already signed up with him to be the new leader of the next years street crossing patrolat the school across from the Baptist church.. After the Chief was killed the new chief came and ask if I still wanted the job.. my mom made red flags on cut off broom handles for us to stop the cars for the other childern to cross safely.. I did this several years and some of you will remember the crossing guards of yesteryear.. I know Ted Daily will remember it as he to was the leader of the guards.. Chief Burbank took very good care of the school zones. sorry to say but the gun used was a shotgun and as I remember ,I thingk it was a 12 gauge.... the deputy of the Arkansas county sheffirs dept make the arrest of the person..the dupty was Lou Arthur Williams sr.( known by many as PUMP WILLIAMS). many years later I found and talked to Mrs Burbank and she never remarried and she was oh so glad that even a child at the time of the killing would want to say to her what a GREAT man her lost husband was...many years and he is still remembered..........

William E.(Eddie) Howard
former citizen of DeWitt

December 10, 2011

Rest in Peace, Chief Burbanks. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 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

August 6, 2007

Your brave service and sacrifice are not forgotten, Sir. Rest in peace.

A citizen

May 14, 2007

Rest in peace Chief -- watch over US!!!

I.S.P. -- M.M.

June 14, 2006