Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace.

J.R.

February 23, 2023

Richie was partners and very close friends with my father, the late Sam Davis, Badge 118. 4th Pct.
I remember that it was the first time I saw my Dad cry.

Sam Davis's son, William "Skip
Newark PD

January 8, 2021

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES... There isn’t many that will ever understand the belly of the beast until you’ve made your way to the South.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

- 123rd.

Southward
NPD

July 15, 2019

I was friends with his son and had the privilege of meeting this fine Officer. He was a good family man. May he continue to rest in peace.

John Dascensio
Friend

February 28, 2016

I participated in the Police Unity Tour this past weekend, where I rode a bicycle from Ground Zero to Washington DC in Honor of Officers Killed in the Line of Duty. I was Privileged and Honored this year to ride in memory of Newark Police Officer Richard P. Burns ( EOW 2-23-1975 )
You will Never be Forgotten and the Newark Police Department will keep your memory alive forever.

Sergeant Victor Manata
Newark Police Department

May 13, 2013

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in Newark is attempting to locate members of the Burns family, please contact us at your earliest convenience, thank you.

Jim Stewart Jr
Newark Police FOP

June 3, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I am sure you were proud that your son followed in your career footsteps of protecting and serving and I hope he is
enjoying his well-deserved retirement

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 23, 2009

Rest in peace my brother.

Kevin T Ryan
Ex Burlington County NJ Cop and Correction Sergeant.

February 23, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 14, 2008

We called him Dickie, and he came to visit us in Mass and he used to hang out with my big brother and they were loads of fun to be with. My brother grew up to be the Police Chief of our town of Foxboro and we were so proud of them both. I am glad to have such a hero in my family.

natalie

natalie
cousin

January 5, 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

December 12, 2007

Although I never had the privilege to meet you, I'm proud of you and I love you very much.

Ariana
Granddaughter

October 1, 2007

I came upon this website in my genealogical pursuits (my mother was a first cousin to Officer Richard Burns). It’s gratifying to see Officer Burns honored for his brave service and sacrifice, and nice to know he is remembered well, even after so many years.

His photograph cannot disguise the twinkle in his eye – I am guessing he was a wonderful storyteller, as his father was.

To Richie's family – your Massachusetts relatives send our very best to you all, and we are humbled to be associated with one of New Jersey’s heroes.

Kathy
cousin

August 18, 2007

Thank you for your courage, your loyalty, and above all, your bravery. Even though I never got to meet you, I'll always be proud to call you Pappy.

Veronica
Granddaughter

July 29, 2007

We here at the Newark Police Museum will keep your memory alive forever. Thank you for your faithful and dedicated service and rest in peace.

Curator Edward J. Dalley, Sr.
Newark Police Museum

July 22, 2006

This February 23rd it will be 30 years that my father died. I just discovered the Officer Down Memorial page and was extremely touched that there are people who have taken the time to reflect about Dad and to write down their feelings about him. That, I guess, proves that he was never forgotten by his friends and that to some degree he lives on. For that I truly thank you all.

Sometime this year I will surpass him age-wise, but never in impact upon others. He was a piece of work.

I'll retire with 25 years in early 2006 and (hopefully) enjoy the retirement he never had. I think of him daily and wear his wedding ring, so he is never too far away.

Thank you all for thoughts and comments about Dad. For you retired guys who knew Dad, keep enjoying the retirement. I know that too many of you are no longer with us. For anyone on the job who reads this here's some advise: When the clock strikes 25, run like hell out the door and enjoy life. It can be too short.

Patrolman Daniel Burns
Glen Ridge

February 7, 2005

To the family and friends of this brave officer. I have just completed the new web site for the Fraternal Order of Police Newark Lodge#12 and would like to take a moment to thank all of these men for giving me one of the most spiritual experiences in my life. I felt that each and every one of these officers were at my side guiding me to the completion of the sites "In Memory Of..." page. God Bless and Thank You!

Tom Tortorici
AJ Projections

February 19, 2004

It will be twenty nine years next month since that tragic evening. Richie, I had a particular memory of you, while in the Police Academy, as part of our training we rode with a Detective Unit one night. It was with you and your partner Det. Meola, I and recruit Frank Radice spend a training night, about a year and half prior. May you rest in peace.

Ret:Det William Murphy
Newark PD.(NJ)

January 31, 2004

My father was a very good friend of Officer Burns.I remember when he visited our house how proudly he stood wearing the Newark Policeman's Uniform.We took his death very badly.We knew him as a good person. My father asked me at that time
to make a memorial album for him in honor of his good friend.I made a memorial album with all the articles and pictures of Officer Burns. I shed tears as I write this memorial.All officers who proudly wear their uniforms for their state who have met the same unfortunate fate,my heartfelt sympathies to their families.

Anonymous

Richie it's been 28 years since that day. You put up a valiant fight, we were all proud of you. Every day that I pass that tavern I think of you. May you rest in Peace.

Lt. Daniel J. Daly(Ret.)
Newark Police Department