Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello brother. I still remember how I felt when I heard the news of your passing. I had not seen you or Jason since high school but you inspired me to follow in your path. Rest in peace and God speed. See you in the Heavens where we all know it safe because you are there.

Terry Manning
Volusia County Sheriff's Office

February 8, 2008

Hey Joe. I can't believe it's been 12 years. I don't even know what to say. I think of you all the time. I don't get to go to Jax as much as I used to, but I make sure to visit you when I can. You're memory is carried in so many hearts and I will always have you in mine. You'll NEVER be forgotten.

December 15, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you for your service, this writer, hopes that justice on your behalf will prevail at the parole hearing in 2008

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 6, 2007

Joey,I will never forget the first time me,my brother and you and Jason met,you had just moved to Sanderson and I thought you had a funny accent,but you thought I was the one with the accent.I will never forget how my blood ran cold when I heard your name on the news that cold day.We were friends and I still think about you.To think the scum who took your life could be paroled soon is unthinkable.
your memory and your dedication will for ever live on.
I miss you and love you.

Michelle
Friend

November 9, 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

October 3, 2007

ITS BEEN 11 YRS BROTHER YOU ARE STILL REMEMBERED.

TRF OFC G V DAUNHAUER #5842
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

December 12, 2006

Deputy Burtner, May you rest in peace. God Bless you and your family. You are a hero. Thank you for your service.

December 12, 2006

Never forgotten.

Rest easy with God brother warrior. Be at peace mate.

Senior Constable
South Australia Police

July 25, 2006

My Brother, your service here will never be forgotten.

Detective
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

May 20, 2006

A OFFICER WHO SHOULD NEVER HAVE DIED LIKE THIS HE WAS GUNNED DOWNED BEFORE HIS CARREER COULD EVEN START HE WILL BE MISSED

DET. BRUCE R. RIDENOUR
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF"S OFFICE

April 14, 2006

I was living in Jacksonville at the time of this tragic incident. I was glued to the T.V. that night trying to find out what happened. I could not believe this rookie officer was killed. He was just trying to make sure the scumbag inside was not going to hurt himself. Although I did not know Ofc. Burtner, a friend of mine ( Ofc. Ira Wayne Bramlitt) was killed approximately six months prior to this tragedy. 1995 was truly a bad year for the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. They lost three officers that year. I grew up in a Law Enforcement family. My father (Ptlm K.M. Wilson #1408)recently retired from the Atlantic Beach (Fla.) Police Dept. I learned alot from my friends on the Sheriffs Office and the beach police. I have been a police officer in Brunswick Georgia since 1999. I have had to force entry several times. Every time I do it, I think of Ofc. Burtner. The lessons learned from that tragic night will save many officers. I am a FTO and I discuss what happened to Officers Burtner and Bramlitt with all of my trainee's. Brother, You will never be forgotten !!!

PFC. Jeremy R. Wilson #456
Brunswick (Ga.) Police Dept.

January 29, 2006

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!

SGT. DANIEL ABRAHAMSON
OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

January 4, 2006

You were tan from your family on my own Son's 4 th birthday. I don't believe in that old saying "The Lord giveth the Lord taketh away" for we know this neverould have happen to you or any other officer who risks their lives every day so that we might one day live in a peaceful world. I pray that maybe this will happen in our children's lifetime. Thank you

OHIO

October 3, 2005

Joey, My protector, what can I say. I remember the way you were always patient with me even in my craziest moments. You always took the time to ensure that us kids were having fun and you never failed to smile. We miss you so much, but I feel comforted in knowing that you are still looking out for me today. I will always love and miss you.

January 4, 2005

Joey, I will never forget how proud you were to be cop. I remember you saying you couldnt believe you got paid to help people. That was the Joey I grew up with. You will always remain in my heart and my thoughts. Its hard to believe you have been gone 8 yrs and we still all miss as if it were one day. Love you alway

Anonymous

December 21, 2003

Joey its been 8 years since you have left us and not a day goes by that I dont think of you. I to this day look up to and I am SOOOO proud to call you my family. I only hope that I can become half the man and person that you were. I will NEVER forget you!!

SPC Harrell, Sean M
US ARMY

November 21, 2003

JOEY,
I knew who you were and you where really close to me and you still are no matter what I do I still think of you and I am going to protect the citizens just as you did.

amanda

Joey,I never had the chance to meet you, but I met your dad the other day when I was on a call and he showed up,I can not explain how proud Baker S/O is of you we now have an award named in your honor. Rest in peace my fellow brother that made the line between choas and the law.

Anonymous

Joey,
You were taken away from us to soon. We will not forget.

Ptlm. G.V. Daunhauer
Jacksonville S.O.