Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It’s been 43 years. I was just a small child when God called my big brother home that day. Dad is now in Heaven with you. Your daughter Summer is a beautiful, talented and amazing woman. I have three adult boys. They always grew up hearing stories of you. Even though it’s been so long, it still feels like yesterday. I love you. I wish that we could kick back with a cold one and laugh about how old we are.

Michelle Herrick Sparks
Sister

May 8, 2023

I was on duty that tragic night. When the call came out my partner and myself responded to there location to help. I will never forget what happened and have prayed to God everyday for Russ’s family and him. It has been a lifetime since that night and I’m old and retired from the Federal Government. I finally felt it necessary to write this. God bless you and your family. My heart brakes for the two officers. Russ has been in God’s hands for a long time now…RIP for eternity.

Kevin-Federal Officer
Retired Federal Officer

October 12, 2022

Russ was a great guy, loved being a policeman.
Certainly a change from today.
I was proud to serve with him and beside him.

James kolka
Fellow officer

September 23, 2020

Patrolman Herrick,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Burton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 8, 2020

I've never forgotten this day...
That week you had picked up some of us teenager's skipping school... you talked with us about education and staying out of trouble (while standing outside the car when you had pulled up on us)...you asked us to make a decision and we jump in the patrol car and went to Atherton Jr high...you were our neighborhood friend...we cried and cried when you left us...we are better people today because you took time with us.

Citizen Sheri Broadway-Robinson
Former truancy teenager

May 5, 2020

Patrolman Herrick rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 19, 2019

Thank you, Russ, you were my friend. I'm so sorry your life was lost. In 2019 I still remember you and will never forget.

Thomas Melrose
Genesee County Sheriff Dept.

August 9, 2019

RIP Rusty...I still remember our last coffee together four hours earlier. God Bless you brother.

Retired / Tom Melrose
Genesee County Sheriff Department

May 12, 2017

I still miss you my brother.

Patrolman - Retired / Paul Philips
Burton Police Department

April 22, 2017

I was working the night it happened, less than a year on the road. Dave Rushton, his partner, sat next to me in the academy and when I learned that Dave was shot, I felt the fear. I've never work another day in uniform without wearing my vest, even now as a chief.

Chief Roger D Squiers
Whitehall Police Department

May 9, 2016

I was Russ's (Rusty) partner that night. His partner who was also shot. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of this incident. I have not slept through the night in 36 years. I miss you brother!!

Sgt. David B Rushton (Ret.)
Burton City P.D.

March 22, 2016

I am a distant relative and was only 8 months old when you were killed in the line of duty. I have been in Law Enforcement for nearly 15 years, 11 of them sworn. May 8th is always a very difficult day for me. It wasnt until I started my career in Law Enforcement that my father told me about his your very short career as a Police Officer. On that very same day in 2006, two fellow Officers I knew, were gunned down in what was suppose to be a secured parking lot in the back of the Sully District Station. Every year that goes by, Im reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that you made to protect the community you served, as well as my friends, and every other Officer around the country. Vicki, Michael, and you might be gone from our lives, but you will never be forgotten no matter how much time goes by. RIP Rusty, and remember, Heroes Live Forever!!!

PFC Ronald Jones
Fairfax County PD (VA)

May 12, 2014

There was one other coward that didn't get life...he drove the car.He later turned everyone in but was never charged. GOD BLESS YOU Russell Herrick and thank you for your service!

unknown

October 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 8, 2012

Although, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, I feel as if I know you. I have heard many stories about your life from the officers that were fortunate enough to have known you. The officers that you worked with have since retired and the torch has been passed to a new generation of Burton Police Officers. There may be new faces patrolling the City of Burton, but we wear the same badge as you, brother. We are reminded everyday of your sacrafice when we look at your name on the wall in the roll call room. We hope you will continue to look down on your fellow officers and keep us safe from harm. You life will be remembered for generations to come and your family will always be in our prayers for you gave everything to protect the citizens of the City of Burton.

Officer Eric Freeman
Burton Police Department

January 17, 2011

It's hard to believe it has been thirty years since we said good-bye. My children are all grown now; and they all know of you, and what you meant to me. They hear the sorrow in my voice, and see the sadness in my eyes whenever I speak of you.

I know what an honor it was for you to serve as a police officer; but I was truly honored to have you as my friend. I wish I had conveyed to you how much I respected you, and what an influence you had in my life.

I truly miss your quick wit, your enthusisim, and your smile. I will never forget you Rusty.

Anonymous

April 29, 2010

i keep your memory alive all the time, at the time of your death, several of us made promises to never forget you. it is still a prevailing thought today. every time we meet and talk, we discuss you and terry and wonder how the department would of been with you instead of knowing how it was without you. you are still greatly missed rusty and the good times we had on our shift together is what i will always remember along with how much fun you were. you will never be forgotten!

Anonymous

January 13, 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

November 13, 2007

May you rest in peace.

May 8, 2007

It was an honor to work for the department who still honors your life and death. You have not been forgotten and never will be. Thank you and keep watch over all of us.

Former BPD Officer

March 25, 2006

25 years ago today and still remembered. Thank you!

patrol

May 8, 2005