Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sergeant J. Harvey Burke

Richmond Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Tuesday, July 28, 1925

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Sergeant J. Harvey Burke

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

July 28, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Burke.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 7, 2019

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 85th 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. I think it is wonderful that your grandson learned of this site and was able to post a reflection for you. I am sure you are proud of your large family.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 28, 2010

SGT. Burke your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 27, 2008

I honor you and the sacrifice you made many years ago on this day. You are remembered and respected. Rest in peace Sgt. Burke.

Police Officer
Fairfax City (VA) Police Department

July 28, 2007

Dear Grandfather, you do not know me and I did not know you except for the memories and stories shared by your brother Robert and your wife Blanche (we called her NaNa). I often wondered what we would have called you if you had lived to see your grandchildren. I have your middle name Harvey as my first name. Like you I go by my middle name but have always used the H. as part of my name. Your children produced seven grandsons that you would have been proud of, I am the youngest.

Recently, I was playing poker on the internet and was sitting at a table with a Police Officer from Chicago. I mentioned in chat that I had a grandfather that was a Police Officer. He asked where and I told him about the unfortunate incident that took you from us. He sent me the link to a website where I am posting this memorial message to you. You would just not believe the technology that we have today. It is through sites like this that fellow officers, friends and family can memorialize and post recognition for heroic acts by our Police Officers around the world.

You have missed a lot. I will recap a bit for you. The city of Richmond came to the aid of your widow and children. Through a fund drive supported by many residents, businesses, friends, relatives and others enough money was raised to buy Blanche a house in the city. Your youngest son Milton still lives there today (81 years later). Disse was captured that same day and quickly brought to trial. He was sentenced to death for his crimes and was executed in Virginia’s electric chair.

I mentioned you had seven grandsons; you also have 15 great grandchildren and 15 great- great grandchildren. Your daughter Christine will turn 95 in December. You have many family members to remember and honor you. We will always remember the ultimate sacrifice that you and fellow officers made for family, friends, and the communities that you served.

Thanks and may God Bless you.

H. Penn Burke
Grandson

November 14, 2006

Sgt. Burke,

Thank you for your service and dedication to one of the finest Law Enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth. You brother are not forgotten and we will continue on in your memory.........

Senior Officer D.W.Reichhardt
Virginia State University Police Department Chesterfield, Virginia

July 28, 2006

Sergeant Burke, on this the 81st anniversary of your murder, I continue to honor you. You are not gone until you're forgotten . . . and you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your years of service . . . thank you for walking the path of the warrior . . . you fought the good fight and you will forever be honored. With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Proud former Richmond, VA Policeman.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

July 28, 2006

Rest in peace, Brother. Your service will never be forgotten. In the course of helping others, you were called Home to walk an everlasting beat in Paradise. You and your family will remain in our prayers.

A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD

February 2, 2005

Officer Burke, 79 years ago today, gun shots rang out in Richmond, and you were taken from us. I honor you on this anniversary of your death. I honor you always. No amount of time will disipate the memory of your sacrifice. With brotherly love and respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.) ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

July 28, 2004

04/30/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

April 30, 2004

I honor your name, service and sacrifice. We will not forget.
Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Policeman).

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (SA, Retired)

February 25, 2004

Sgt. Burke you are remembered. Thank you for your service. God's Blessings be upon you. 8/6/2003

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

In honor of Sergeant Burke....

You are not forgotten.

Police Officer II J. Harding
Richmond, Virginia Police Dept.

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.