Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Burrell,
What fond memories of you at the Academy. Great Class we had and you indeed were one of a kind.
Such great memories of the Class of 87. You were and forever will be missed by so many people.
I remember your freindship then and now. Very few people who walked this earth with your dedication to complete the Police Academy, and you did. You stood out then and you will always stand out forever.
You and Officer James Wayne MacDonald are hero's to not only the City of Compton, The State of California, but also to this great country of ours; that sadly is slowly disapering. But, the two of you serve as an example to continue to fight the good fight. Good will have victory over evil, and one day it will be permanant on earth.
May you both continue to rejoice in the arms of almighty God. I'll see you again when it's my time to go home as well. But until then-farewell.
May God save America.
Robert Venegas
Rio Hondo Police Academy Class 87

Robert Venegas
Class Mate-Rio Hondo Police Academy Class 87.

February 23, 2023

Officer Burrell,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Compton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 23, 2023

Rest in peace.

J.R.

February 22, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement family.

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

February 23, 2022

I remember Kevin as we were in Class 31 of the LA County Sheriff Explorer Academy. Kevin has always been a big man and he made all the runs at BC. I went in to become a Los Angeles Police Officer and retired as a Detective from 77th. I would see Kevin at Compton Court and was always the most polite person. When I heard of his death, I couldn’t believe it. Still unreal! Well Kevin we lived our dreams of becoming police officers and completed our tour. Miss you buddy!

Detective II John M Ayala #26846 (Ret)
Los Angeles Police Department

August 7, 2021

RIP brother. You're always remembered.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

February 23, 2021

Kevin you worked patrol with my father Compton Police Officer Jimmy Real. I remember you well, I was fortunate enough to do a ride along with you - my dad told me "if anything goes down you better jump in there and have Burrell's back" You laughed and said " you aint got to worry about that...I'm a lover not a fighter" I remember being impressed with how many citizens knew you and how many friends you had throughout Compton. You were a great beat cop. You said great things about my father and encouraged me to follow in his footsteps .
When I graduated from Rio Hondo Police Academy in January 1993 Jimmy MacDonald was there with my dad. Less than a month later we lost both of you.
I will never forget who you were, the good you did, and how many lives you touched

Police OfficerJames Real
Los Angeles Police Dept

November 6, 2020

I miss you guys

Xavier
Former emt

June 19, 2020

Continue to Rest In Peace

Kassandra D
Kassandra D

February 22, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Burrell.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 24, 2020

Officer Kevin Michael Burrell will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

January 13, 2020

Just found this page after (for some reason) remembering working the Rodney King Riots in Compton as a young Firefighter from Downey. We were called into Compton after the riots broke out and headed to a Taco Bell that was on fire. I was sitting in the open jump seat going down Imperial Hwy, looking at all the fires, looting, broken store fronts, and the angry mob on the streets. I told myself at the time that ‘This is my last day’ (of life). 4 white firemen, alone and exposed, trying to put out a fire, getting screamed at and having rocks/trash/etc thrown at us. Finally, an unmarked PD unit pulled up n Kevin Burrell got out...all 6’7”, 350lbs of him, with his shotgun. Never been happier to see anyone in my life. Kevin told us that ‘I ain’t leaving you crackers alone in this mess’, and followed us from fire to fire. My heart was absolutely broken several months later to read that Kevin had been killed in the line of duty. I was usually the one protecting people.....Kevin came down from heaven that day and protected me, when I needed him most. I will never forget that big, kind teddy bear. RIP, my friend.

Brent Poole, Fire Captain, Retired
City of Downey Fire Dept

October 6, 2019

Thank you for being a positive force in the city of Compton. As I now sit here going through the process of becoming a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, I recall you coming over your mother's house in uniform weather you were stopping by right after work or just checking in during your shift and every time you laid eyes on me, you asked the same question "What's up cuzz?" I use to think it was so cleaver and it was our thing that we had between each other. So people would turn their heads like did that cop just say cuzz? But in actuality we are actual cousins. So I got to look cool in front of my friends for those encounters.

I pray that one day I will be able to pay it forward to the next generation of young kids that can look up the the men and women in uniform that are out there serving and protecting out communities and putting their life on the line. You and your partner Officer MacDonald are true heros. Rest in Heaven Big Kev.

Love

Bicari (Corey) Evans

Bicari Evans
Family Member (cousin)

April 4, 2019

Kevin how’s heaven brother? Thanks for watching over us all. I miss you Big Kev aka Big Daddy on the basketball court. I think of you daily bro. We all talk about the great times we shared with you, it brings laughter and smiles to our hearts. Gosh we had some great fun times Kev. Keep patrolling heaven with the other LE brothers and sisters that are there. There’s no to hurt you guys there. I love you Kevin. We’ll talk again soon bro.

Your brother,

Lionel

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Department

February 23, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

February 23, 2018

24 Years ago I lost a good friend. Officer Kevin Michael Burrell. I think of you often Kevin and of course every time I your favorite song... Whitney Houston "I will always love you." I remember you singing that song every time it came on the radio, some times drowning out Whitney Houston's voice with your voice singing lol. I wish like hell I could hear you sing that song one more time brother. Enjoy Heaven Kevin, and continue to keep a watchful over us all here on earth. LOVE YOU MY BROTHER. NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

RETIRED DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD CA POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 21, 2017

Kevin,

While I was assigned to Lynwood Sheriff's Station in the early 90's, I always enjoyed running into you in the East Compton area. You always found time to stop and chat with me, until either you or I had to respond to a call. You were always very friendly and had nothing but nice things to say about your day. I loved hearing the stories you would tell me about my brother Mike Doyle (Fresno PD) who was once a Compton Officer with you. The citizens of Compton were gifted by having you as an officer in their city, and suffered a tremendous loss upon your EOW.

It's been over 20 yrs. now and I still remember you like it was yesterday. Rest in peace brother. I will never forget you.

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Lieutenant
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

March 17, 2016

Rest in Peace Brothers

Corporal Joe Torres
Fullerton PD

February 22, 2016

Kevin Michael Burrell (RIP) and James Wayne MacDonald (RIP)

Watching the movie “STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON,” I could not help but think about the senseless murders of Burrell and MacDonald (who were not mentioned in the movie)….(Sigh).

Michael B. Parlor

August 14, 2015

I stopped by the memorial with my family last Saturday night, after having worked several protest events that week. I asked my wife and kids to look at the plaque and I described to them what happened that night.

I was working as a Sergeant in Southeast that night, we looked and looked for the truck that night.

Never will I forget the scene and the hospital. It reminds me that life is meant to be lived to its fullest and that we are to serve with diligence, and to get into harms way, to run into harms way as both of you did, so others can live in some sort of peace.

Thank You for setting the tone for us to follow, my brothers.

Tony Lomedico
LAPD , Metro Mounted

Lieutenant Tony Lomedico
LAPD METRO MOUNTED

December 1, 2014

I think of you daily bro, I remember the laughs and the great times we had. Never forgotten!!! I love Kevin. RIP Brother.
LG

Detective Retired
Inglewood

October 2, 2014

I am a recruit in class 403 4th platoon. I wanted to take a minute and thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever in your debt. You will serve as one of my inspirations through my academy and my goal to graduate.

Recruit Ines, Adrian U
LASD

September 29, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 22, 2014

HI MY FRIEND, TIME REALLY MOVES, I MISS YOU EVERYDAY MAN, ALL THE FUN TRIPS TO VEGAS AT 3AM AFTER WE BOTH FINISHED OUR RESPECTED SHIFTS(HAVEN'T BEEN SENSE THE LAST TIME WE WENT TWENTY YEARS AGO). I STILL CRY ABOUT THE SITUATION, I STILL REMEMBER BEING IN THE E.R. ROOM AS THEY WORKED ON YOU,STILL CANT BELEIVE YOUR GONE, YOUR GOD SON, RYAN, IS DOING WELL,HAS NO DESIRE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.I'VE BEEN TO THE MEMORIAL WALL IN WASHINGTON D.C TWICE NOW,ONE MORE TRIP WITH MY YOUNGER SON IN A YEAR OR TWO. I WEAR YOUR MEMORIAL BRACLET, I MISS YOU MAN.I KNOW THAT YOU KNEW THE LORD. I GO TO YOUR PARENT HOUSE FOR THE TRIO BIRTHDAYS IN MAY,I PUT ON A GOOD FACE BUT IT REALLY HURTS. MY YOUNGER SON WILL KNOW YOU AS HIS BIG BROTHER DOES, LOVE AND MISS YOU. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT TIME WHERE WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN,UNTIL THEN REST IN GOD'S ARMS MY BROTHER.

RETIRED OFFICER MEGALLAN HANDFORD
LOS ANGELES HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 27, 2014

Kevin, still think about you all the time!

Deputy Bruce Frailich
L.A.SD., former COMPTON P.D.

May 22, 2014