Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Kevin, It has been a while but we still think about you. The School Police Officers in Compton still have your plaque on the briefing room wall. The Officers

Compton School Police Officers Assn.
Compton School Police

May 19, 2008

I learned about you and your partner tonight on TV as I was preparing to rest before my watch this morning. Now all I can think and wonder is the sacrifice you and partner made. We live a career that our real payment is really to come home at the end of our watch. Just wanted to let you know is that you nor your partner's effort has not been forgotten.

Off. Thornton
City of Atlanta Police

March 8, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 14, 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

September 12, 2007

"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

August 20, 2007

HEY KEV HOWS IT UP THERE IN HEAVEN. I MISS YOU BRO. NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

DETECTIVE LIONEL GARRETT
INGLEWOOD PD

August 7, 2007

I sat and watched a program called "North Mission Road" last night in my home about the brutal cold blooded murder's of Officers Kevin Burrell and James MacDonald of the Compton Police Dept. I remember this very well because the killer surrendered to a local TV news reporter. It just does not get any worse than this. Even though it has been nearly 14 years ago, it still hurts. May these officers rest in peace.

Sergeant
Dept of Veterans Affairs Police

July 18, 2007

We too saw the North Mission Road program today and wanted to remember you and your partner. You guys gave your lives protecting your community and the guy you stopped has no business being in the community, ever, other than a penal community. RIP-your sacrifice and that of your families will not be forgotten.

midwest citizen

July 15, 2007

Kevin, I too just watched a Court TV show where I also saw the portrayal of your life and death. I try to read at least one relfection daily and try to leave a reflection for that person and their family. As I watched that show about you and the "cowards" that took you from your loved ones, I said a prayer for you. You have been gone for a little while now, but I know the pain that your family and friends feel is as raw as that Tuesday that it happened.

I really wish that within the justice system when a scumbag takes a life of a law enforcement officer, they would have to live a day in our shoes. I dont think they understand that the split-second decisions that they make and forget about, really never leave us alone.

Rest easy sir. We have the watch from here. God Speed.

Heather
Ross County Ohio Deputy Sheriff

July 15, 2007

I was watching a show on CourtTV called North Mission Road
on July 13, 2007. On that show they did a reenactment of the night Kevin lost his life. It was as painful and as shocking as the day it happen. Kevin, you were nice guy, a
gentle kind human being.

The world is without a spirit that was a genuine friend to many. We went to school together so many years ago....but your kind words and smiles are in my memories...even today.

Good night, sleep well...we will unite someday......

Pauletta (Hoxey) McCrary
Friend since Elementary

July 15, 2007

It is refreshing to reflect on the fact that Officer Kevin Burrell was raised in Compton and obviously chose to join that department to make Compton (the city I grew up in) a better and a safer place. Few successful people reach a helping hand back into the community like he did. I never met Kevin, however, after reading some of the Reflections, he was obviously a good guy who was born to be a police officer. Then there is Officer McDonald. I read somewhere that the night of his passing was to be his last in the city because he had been hired by a police force somewhere in Northern California. That same article indicated, according to James, if there had been an opening on the Compton Police force, he would have preferred to protect and serve in the city of Compton. He obviously adopted the Compton PD along with the residents of Compton and was desirous, like Kevin, to make Compton a better place.

I read about of one of the court proceedings in the newspaper and was in attendance at that proceeding in Downtown LA. This particular hearing was, I believe, for the purpose of determining whether there was sufficient evidence to try the man who would later be found guilty of the murders of these fine young men. I believe the parents of both men were present that day. During the proceeding, the weapon was introduced and I saw Officer McDonald’s dad slump down in his seat and rest his head on his wife’s shoulder. As the father of four sons, I cannot even begin to imagine what your families must have gone through and must still be dealing with. But at that moment, I felt like I was a part of the Burrell and McDonald families sharing your pain in a very personal way. All I could do was pray for you all and I did that. Officers Burrell and McDonald have left an indelible impression on me and made me view police officers, as a whole, as people who knowingly, willingly and courageously make the conscious decision (daily) to put their lives on the line to keep the peace for ordinary people like me.

Thank you Kevin and James for your courage and sacrifice on behalf of others.

Tillman
Carson, Ca.

tillman

May 28, 2007

Thankyou for your dedicated service to law enforcement. You are a true hero and heroes never die, you will always be remembered by those that love you and the Blue Family will never let you be forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 23, 2007

Time passes as time must but it sounds like you will never be forgotten for a man remembered with love and respect continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others.G-d Bless.

February 23, 2007

Merry Christmas Big Kev. I think of you daily. Remembering the good, fun times we had. I visit your grave site often. I seems like yesterday we were talking about playing basketball, the Lakers, kids, one day retiring from police work and kicking back. We talked about after retiring traveling with our wives (when you got married) and seeing the world. I take a part of you in my heart as my family and I travel from place to place seeing the world. R.I.P. my friend. I love man. You buddy. Never Forgotten!!!!

Detective Lionel Garrett
Ing. Police Dept./Friend of Kevin

December 21, 2006

Kevin was a dear friend of mine. I had the opportunity to attend school with Kevin since we were 6 years old. We were basketball teammates at Compton High School. The night of this tragedy we had dinner together at Sizzler. I was the first officer on the scene. Kevin, you will always be my hero, you taught me how to really do police work.
Rest in my brother, and we will meet again.

Deputy Gary Davis
Los Angeles County Sheriff

September 14, 2006

It is not the evil men do that is harmful..............it is when good people see evil being done, and do nothing to stop it.


Like I told Jimmy. Kevin, I'd be honored to ride with either one of you anytime on the streets of heaven. Because I know that both of you are my cover units now on earth.

Reserve Officer Chris Ming
Antioch Police Department, Antioch, Ca

September 5, 2006

Although I didn't know you personally, I felt the pain of losing you. I know you are with the Father now, in His loving arms.

Security Sergeant J. Wallace
Kraco Enterprises Security Dept.

August 26, 2006

I first remember Kevin as a 17 year old police exploreor. I defeinately remember the time when Kevin came running out of the communcation center and asked if it was ok to ride with me. That specific night on graveyard I was working a lincoln car and Kevin had just finished working 10 hrs on PM shift, as a volunteer in dispatch. He cleared it with the WC and egerly returned and said, "let go". At about 3AM we got in pursuit of a G-Ride and between both of us we were able to take all 3 occupants into custody. After booking the suspects and completing the reports I dropped Kevin off at his residence. As he exited the police car Kevin looked at me and said, " thank you Banuelos." I was thinking to my self this guy is something else, he first volunteers 10 hrs on PM shift, and then does an addtional 5 hrs on graveyard. Kevin it was I that should have thanked you. I will always remember you, you were truly one of Compton PD's best.

Ray Banuelos
Compton Police Department 1984-1998

May 23, 2006

To the Burrell family:

On this the thirteenth anniversary of your tragic death, I am thinking about all of you today and saying special prayers for your family. Rest in Peace to both Kevin and Jim.

I am lighting two blue candles today for Jim and Kevin. Their memory is revered today and they are loved and cherished.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

February 22, 2006

I remember going thru the Rio hondo reserve academy in the early '90s and having a ride along with the "hub cities' finest".We went to a 415 call at a liqour store on on Long Beach and rosecrans, but as we pulled up the oofficer I was riding with said "theres big Kev, problem " solved-I saw a gaint of a man literally- but I also saw a smile come on his face as he talked to the guys hanging out in front of the store and they soon walked away from the store.that day i learned what "peace kept" meant. I went on to join a police dept and have never forgotten the sacrifice you and your partner made on that cold feb nite -it was the price of working to have the "peace kept".as the anniversary of both of your passings comes up, I pray that you both are watching those of us left behind,being that "invisible" back up to caution us when we need it.Thank you and God Bless you ....

M.K. Gentry
City of L.A. Airport Police

January 25, 2006

To Officer Kevin Burrell, his family and friends, and fellow officers with the now disbanded Compton Police Dept.

On behalf of our family, we extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Kevin was brutally murdered. The valor and bravery of Kevin will not be forgotten.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Kevin gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on Feb 23, 1993.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

October 24, 2005

I grew up playing high school basketball against Kevin. We later joined forces while playing in the California Police Summer Games. Kevin known as the Gentle Giant was the best friend you could have. Kevin took pride in serving the community of Compton Ca. I will never forget my buddy and best friend. RIP kevin you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN>

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Dept Ca.

February 11, 2005

When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into his sixth day of
overtime when an angel appeared and said,
"You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order? A peace officer has
to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter
homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a
homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses,
and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee
and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the
three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks,
"May I see what's in there, sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken
that accounting job.) "Another pair here in the side of his head for his
partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look
reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound
drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes;
recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest
a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to
debate the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime
scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder
victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't
sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace
officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to
put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that
funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there," he said.

December 17, 2004

To the family and friends of Ofc. Burrell- may you take solace in the knowledge that God holds a special place for those who give their lives for others. His brothers and sisters will honor him always.

Sgt. Bill Richardson
Anchorage, Alaska PD

August 26, 2004

KEVIN WAS A MEN OF MEN, A GENTLE GIANT, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY MY FRIEND. I WILL MISS YOU BROTHER BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO THE TIME WHEN WE WILL PATROL THE STREETS OF GOLD TOGETHER.

SERGEANT DARRYLE LEWIS
LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT