Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Burnham,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dodge County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 6, 2023

A few weeks before Mr. Dalt and Miss Georgia Kate were murdered I was involved in a car wreck right down from their house. Thankfully, my mother and I were more shaken than hurt, and we waded through some high grass and sharp stickers to make our way to their house. Both were home and I’ll always remember Miss Georgia Kate having me to sit on the counter while she meticulously extracted stickers from my socks. She made us welcome. I never saw her again, but still recall that sweet smile she had. Eventually Mr. Dalt drove us to where my grandparents lived in Abbeville. He stayed and visited with my family for a bit and then I watched him walk back to his car and leave. The next time I heard their names was in the context of their murders. I was just eleven then, but I would like for Mr. Dalt and Miss Georgia Kate’s children to know that their parents are far from forgotten and that I will always remember their compassion and grace.

Cindy Hargrove Rivers

November 27, 2017

Thank you for your service. My brother Officer Barry Melear was killed in the line of duty in 1977 so I know what the family goes through to lose loved ones so tragically. God bless you all. My prayers go with you.

Susan Melear Hayden
Sister of Slain Officer Barry Melear

October 6, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. I am privileged 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.

I pray for the solace of all those that call you beloved for I know both their pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater, O

October 6, 2013

Deputy Burham and Ms. Georgia, as I fondly remember her as my teacher, that night was one of the saddness night that hit our town. It separated two families apart that was really close in our town. As students of Ms. Georgia, we all were allowed to pay our respects! Rest in Peace God Ms. Georgia and Sheriff Burham as we so fondly use to call you and you would just smile. God took you both together, just the way we would see you two when you both were not serving are helping some one!

Wendy Harden
A Peach from Georgia

January 11, 2013

Uncle Dalt and Aunt Georgia Kate were wonderful people. I still remember visiting their home, and others who tried to visit the night of their murder remember also. Tragic time for our family and little town of Rhine.

Amber Jones
great-neice

September 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Burnham. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 25, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

October 8, 2007

today on the anniversary of your death wwe sish to rmember you and thank you Sir for your Service

pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better manchester, NH

October 6, 2007

I just recently found out via my mother that Sheriff Burnham was my great uncle; I am very proud of his service and sacrifice for the community. I can't wait until I'm back in Georgia so I can visit his grave a pay my respects. God Bless can't wait to meet you!

Deputy Sheriff Lozada
PCSO/My Great Uncle

July 21, 2007

What a sad story.May Our Lord Bless and keep you both in His loving care.

October 6, 2006

I was so saddened to read your tragic story. My sympathy to your family. I am glad that you and your wife will share eternity together and never be separated again. Bless you both.

A citizen

October 6, 2004