Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Can’t believe it’s been so many years since that horrible day. Lost two awesome Police Officers from a situation That started with a training exercise a swat officer falling out of a helicopter and injuring his leg and then passing away. From that you are doing the motorcycle leapfrog road blocking during the procession and somebody didn’t see you and hit you. Such a sad incident that could’ve been avoided and you missed every day. Very friendly and professional motors officer and may you be resting in our Lords arms comfortably while you wait for the rest of your brothers and sisters to join you. God bless you, my friend

SH S/E Patrol Division
Former Instructor: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

November 22, 2024

I remember when you passed, I was working that day. And I remember they had a city park named after you. But where did it go. Today I stopped by the shiny new OPD HQ on OBT and found a memorial dedicated to you in the OPD lobby. A motorcycle #1209 and a sign from the city park are in the lobby. I wish they would add a picture of your serious mustache game you had going. Smooth roads and beautiful sunsets to you Officer Burson. Thanks for being a guardian of Orlando.

Agt. J.A. Moss
OCSO

November 17, 2023

Mike , came by and saw you yesterday ( 11/1/2023 ) as I try to when I come to Orlando. It is hard to accept you are not among us retired OPD. When your name comes up. The comments are always the same about your big smile and the big mustache. Our circle grows smaller each year. I am sure you welcome them.

DR Smith , SGT Retired
Orlando Police Department , Orlando. FL.

November 2, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Burson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 23, 2021

Thank you for your service. God bless Deanna as well.

Police Officer. Steven H.
Orlando Police Department

January 22, 2021

Thank you for your service and know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 23, 2020

Officer Burson would come into my office, a couple times a week, and ask me if he could read the Sport pages of our local newspaper. I would always say yes, of course! After a few times, I told him it was okay to just take the sports section with him! This began a daily ritual of him picking up HIS part of the paper, always with a smile or a wave.

After all of these years; when I see a random newspaper sports section sitting alone on a table, I will always smile in remembrance of Officer Burson.

CSO Rhonda Glisson
Orlando Police Department

June 19, 2020

See his picture everyday at work. A reminder of a hero's legacy of never being forgotten.

Kate Beasley
Officer, Orlando Police Department

June 19, 2020

I loved serving with him as a fellow motorman. He was kind, happy, and helpful. His memory lives on in my heart.

Ronald W. Rauth
Orlando Police Officer

June 27, 2019

What a great man. He always had a smile. I enjoyed working with him for years at OPD. He is missed and loved.

Lt. Deborah Beavers Driscoll, Ret, R/O
Orlando Police Department

June 20, 2019

I was just sitting here thinking of all the fun we had growing up and
about the trips and vacations we had together after we grew up
I can't believe its been almost 26 years since you left us. Hope you and dad will be waiting for us when its our turn

wendell burson
brother

February 3, 2016

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

June 23, 2015

Twenty five years have passed and still think of you. It's amazing the impact that you and so many others at OPD had on my life.
I'm still out here practicing the lessons you taught me.
As a matter of fact I'm watching traffic right now.

Angel L. Rodriguez Jr MPO/Master Deputy
Orlando PD/Union County SO NC

June 5, 2015

I have not forgotten you Mike. All this time has passed and I still think of that day.
I'll see you on the other side.

Master Police Officer Angel L Rodriguez
Orlando Police Department/Friend and Co worker

June 11, 2014

I still remember his smile and what a wonderful guy he was! Blessings to those he left behind

pfc Allen Jenkins
Orlando PD Retired 2006

June 23, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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 the solace of 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. Thanjks 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

June 23, 2012

We will never forget the sacrifice that Officer Burson made for all of us. May you continue to rest in peace sir. May God continue to watch over and guide your family each and every day.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 23, 2012

Michael was a good friend and fellow officer. He was always very positive and fun to be around. He took his job seriously and was very fair in dealing with the public. It was a sad day when I found out he had passed, he will be missed.

Paul Barker - Officer 1971 to 1979
Orlando Police

May 13, 2012

Michael was one of the good officers serving on the Orlando Police Department. He always had a smile on his face. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Mike really enjoyed his work as an OPD motor officer. He looked forward to going to work every day. He was one of the finest and is really missed.

Charles Rahn, POFC
Orlando Police

February 20, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Burson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

I remember the day you died. It was a shock. I was used to seeing all the motorcycle officers when they came to the rear parts room for wax. I liked you. You were friendly and caused no problems. I have often thought of you and your family

dean horne
retired property clerk/purchasing dept.

September 25, 2011

Mike, I too miss you & think of you often. I miss your teasing and your big grin afterwards, LOL! Your children have grown up and into wonderful, beautiful adults. Love to you always...

Barbara Johnson Simpson
Younger Sister of 1st wife Cindy

September 23, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal

May 10, 2010

Officer Burson, we all thank-you for brave service. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

April 28, 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

December 15, 2007