Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

During Joe's time at Kennesaw State University, I served as one of Joe's professors. I also mentored Joe along his academic trek, and we became friends. As his professor and mentor, I found Joe to be an outstanding learner and highly motivated to serve his community. He was a sterling example of servant leadership and his probity set an example for all to emulate. Covid restrictions prevented me from being there when Joe was pinned as an officer and graduating from basic mandate training, but we stayed in touch. Joe is our first and hopefully only KSU CJ grad to die in the line of duty. Rest Easy Joe, we have the watch.

Stan Crowder, Ph.D.
Kennesaw State University Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

November 19, 2022

I remember that night like it was yesterday. I was on my way home from work when police cars came flying by me. You were the 1st person I thought of. It was late so I didn't want to bother to have someone check on you. My heart sank the next day when I saw all the post. I just couldn't believe it. You were the sweetest person and so friendly everytime I saw you. It hurts my heart as you are the same age as my son and he is a LEO also. You will always be remembered and loved Joe.

Windy

May 16, 2022

Hi little buddy. Every day I miss you. Every day I think about you. I laugh and celebrate your life with your loved ones, and try to live by the promise I made to you in loving them daily. I'm so lucky to have them in my life, ALL the people you have brought into my life. I just hate that you had to leave me to make that happen. Every time it thunders, I know it's you. I love to hear it now. Thank you for being the guardian angel we all need in hard times. You were entirely too big for this earth, I know you are everywhere now. Missing you daily. SKC

Inv. Sherron K. Conrad
Former Sgt.

April 25, 2022

Joe, we all miss you down here in the "The Springs" and Woodstock. I know you are continuing to watch over us from above. Please help my friend (and fellow Ga. LEO) Lena Marshall find her way. She's new up there as of today & I'm sure she could use some help figuring out her wings. Like you, she laid her life down to protect her community. I know you two will get along. Please tell her I said hello. Fly high Joe and rest easy.

Senior Corporal/ K9 Handler E. S. Roper - US Federal Reserve Police Atlanta, GA.

November 9, 2021

RIP

Carol Mattis / No Rank
No Relationship. Just a Caring citizen.

July 31, 2021

Rest in Peace Officer Burson. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this very difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

June 30, 2021

"And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people." RIP. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Officer Theodore Bedell
Jefferson Police Department GA

June 29, 2021

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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

June 28, 2021

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 27, 2021

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Officer, Joseph Burson, in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Officer makes the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage to protect and serve community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

June 25, 2021

I would like to offer my deep sympathy to the family and friends of Officer Burson. I am truly sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. May God comfort you.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

June 23, 2021

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Officer Burson. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Holly Springs Police Department.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

June 23, 2021

God’s speed to you and your family officer Burson. You are appreciated and loved by all.

Supervising Deputy DA Richard Sachs
San Diego District Attorney (retired)

June 23, 2021

Bless him and all the others Father's who fall for the safety of our souls. Find a special place for them that is peaceful, and free from the cares and pains of the world, for they so deserve that and more. We do not understand why, but their brothers will shoulder the burden from here.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers...."

Teri Kearl, (No rank, I just care)

June 22, 2021

Praying for peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy,

Rita Rocker
Deputy Executive Director
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

June 22, 2021

Rest in Peace, Officer Burson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, agency, and community.
You will be missed but remembered always.

On behalf of the women and men of the Woodstock Police Department

Chief Calvin W. Moss
Woodstock Police Department

June 22, 2021

Rest In Peace brother

Sgt Benjamín Rodríguez Bermúdez
Puerto Rico Police Departament

June 22, 2021

Rest In Peace my brother.

Captain D.J. Fitzgerald
La Posta Police Department

June 22, 2021

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Captain E.Kemmer
Nevada Department of Public Safety

June 21, 2021

From all our staff to the Holly Springs Police Department and the family of Officer Joseph Burson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all pay tribute and honors to the sacrifice made.

Chief Jack D.Carruth
South Salt Lake Police Department, Utah

June 21, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC)
New York Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 21, 2021

Rest in peace Brother.

Arrend Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

June 21, 2021

So sad, RIP. Well done thou good & faithful servant. May God bless & comfort your family, as well as your brothers & sisters with HSPD.

Mike Nixon
High Point, NC Police Dept, Retired

June 21, 2021

Rest In Peace Brother!!

Lieutenant ( Retired ) Victor Manata
Newark Police Department , Newark NJ

June 20, 2021

Officer Burson,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD

June 20, 2021