Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Ranger!

Lead Ranger Matt Lyons
National Park Service, Traffic Management - SEKI

June 23, 2024

Greg and I were dear friends in college, the University of Missouri. He was hired by the NPS shortly before I began service as a mounted park ranger in St. Louis County. I was devastated when notified by his wife, Peggy, of his untimely passing. I've thought of Greg often and hoped only the best for her.

Joe Burkart
Former Park Ranger

November 25, 2021

Rest in peace Park Ranger Burdine.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 30, 2019

We have not forgotten you Gregory Scott Burdine. You will always be a part of us here at Colonial National Historical Park Protection Division.

Rangers and Dispatchers
NPS-COLO

January 8, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Laslater was a fellow police officer 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

I pray for solace for all those that love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 13, 2012

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 27, 2008

On the 30th anniversary of Ranger Burdine's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Ranger Burdine is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

November 26, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, Nh

November 26, 2007

Greg was my scoutmaster of Toop 159 Hampton Virginia. He was a big influence in my life and made such an impression that he is sadly remembered 30 years later. The efforts he made toward some curly headed 15 year old boyscout, was significant in producing a Naval Officer today.
Fair winds and following seas.

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Scott
USN SPECWAR

May 2, 2007

Sleep well brother Ranger, I have the watch

Park Ranger
Colonial NHP

February 22, 2007

A man loses his life and the suspect loses his license--what is the matter with this?? Your green n gray family mours your loss. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Ranger Burdine. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.
Rest in peace for your watch here is over.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service Kennesaw GA