Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On July 5, 1985, I was only 15 years old…..yet, I can still vividly recall that tragic day, and the unforgettable expression of shock and grief in my father’s eyes…..tears streaming down his face. I had never seen my father so devastated.
Gruber and Burns were best buds.
They enjoyed fishing together…..and they bonded over endless cups of coffee at the kitchen table, often discussing how to rid the “SCUM” from Hardin County.
Sometimes they would spend an afternoon cleaning and polishing their vehicles, or their weapons.
I remember there was never a shortage of jokes being told, and even if the punchline wasn’t funny…..they both still laughed.
Thank you “Mr. Bill” for being my Daddy’s friend…..and thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

Jackie Gruber Dindar
Daughter of Lt. Detective Jack Gruber, Radcliff Ky Police Department
Wife of Detective Kagan Dindar, Clarksville Tn Police Dept., EOW October 24, 2014

Jackie Gruber Dindar
Always Family

August 26, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered and honored. Rest In Peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 5, 2020

Patrolman William R. Burns will never be forgotten. May his soul forever rest in peace in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

November 1, 2018

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 13, 2015

I was a telecommunications officer with the Radcliff Police Department and worked closely with Bill Burns on a daily basis. Bill was one of the most generous people I had ever met, he loved his job, in fact, he was due to get off duty but took this call so that another officer could finish his lunch. His smile would light up the room, he began each shift with a joke and his laughter would put you on the floor. He's loved dearly and missed, as are the 3 men who perished with him, Jr. Dawley, Danny Cummings and Rick DeRuiter. All 4 were dear and close friends of mine and I miss them in my life. God bless them all.

Elaine Hornback, Retired Dispatcher
Radcliff/Elizabethtown Police Depts

July 4, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th 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.

Rest In Peace

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

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 5, 2010

"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

January 27, 2008

To you and your family.......so sorry for your loss! I met your Brother and he is so PROUD of you! Rest well.......Thank you for your sacrifice!

Officer Julie D. Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Department

August 6, 2007

God bless you William. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Matthew 5:9

An Ohio brother
Montgomery Co. Ohio

July 19, 2007

Although I didn't get to work with you, I feel like I know you. We miss you and will never forget your sacrifice.

NA
Current Employee

April 3, 2007

SAFELY HOME
I am in heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
You shall rest in God's own land.

There is work still waiting for you.
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in God's own land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh,the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!


Patrolman Burns you gave your own life so someone else might live.
You are truly a hero, may this poem bring comfort to your family and friends.

October 3, 2004

You are not forgotten. Rest In Peace.

Deputy Wayne Ladieu
Escambia County FL. Sheriff Office

May 21, 2004

You are a hero. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Anonymous

November 19, 2003