Officer Down Memorial Page

Kevin, You were a great friend and a great mentor. I will always remember your smile. I enjoyed your wisdom and let me tell you, Kevin, YOU WERE RIGHT. A COLLEGE EDUCATION DOES PAY OFF. I remember our long talks and how you put me in my place when I told you I wanted to join the Military and then become a COP. You told me to go to College, first! I didn't want to go to College, period; But your words always echoed in my mind.. 'Esther, You need a Back Up Plan. I did what you suggested, I thanked God for putting you in my life. You supported me while we were in the Compton Explorers Program and later encouraged me while I was away to War. My Friend, I work next door now; I remember you often. My daughter will be 19 this year. On her B/D, I dedicate a special prayer for you. My 3 kids and husband know about you and your magical way of making folks feel special. You were one of kind on Earth and I know the Angels are happy to have you in Heaven. Thank you and your Partner for your service. I know I will see you in Heaven one day.

ESTHER SYMONDS, DPO11
LA County Probation Department
April 21, 2012

Thanks for your 5 years of services, Kevin.

David
February 22, 2012

Kevin--I never was fortunate enough to meet you but I wanted to let you know that you recently helped put a gangster on death row with an old carjack arrest report from 1991. LIL Red stepped up an testified for the both of you. Good job Kevin and God Bless.

Retired OCSD Investigator Sean Murphy
Riverside DA
February 11, 2012

Rest in peace.. You are not forgotten

anonymous.. los angeles
January 2, 2012

Hey Kevin how are the angels treating you? I went to your grave site on February 23 and and paid my respects to you my friend. Our buddy Deputy Gary Davis reminded me to turn the siren on for you. Remember how you loved the red and blue emergency lights and the sound of the siren. We both agreed that you were smiling when you heard siren and saw the lights flashing on my police car. We love you Kevin and we all still share great stories about you. You are our HERO Kevin. God speed my friend. Continue to look out for us as we stand tall and do our jobs. We miss you Bro... ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS AND NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Police Department Ca.
February 24, 2011

Just Thinking About The old days. Rest in Peace bro.

R. Patterson Sergeant
L.A.U.S.D. Police
March 11, 2010

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

Officer 11169
October 22, 2009

You are not forgoten

Ofc. G. Watts # 2062
San Francisco Police Dept
May 21, 2009

I remmber KEVIN from compton high school.He was always nice and peaceful.Ill always think of him.Class of AD1,1981.

jr
classmate
February 28, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.
Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

Anonymous
February 23, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 23, 2009

I remember first meeting Kevin when he was a police explorer. I dont think I ever met anyone who wanted to be a cop more than he did! The first time he rode with me I pointed out to kevin that at his size the football coaches in high school must have stalked him like tigers to get him to play! He laughed and said "yeah, but I just wanted to play basketball!" To me, this showed Kevin for what he truly was, a gentle giant. To Kevin's family if you happen to read this, I was once told that many american indians say that a man is not truly dead if there are people left that remember and talk about him. If this is true, he is still alive in the people that knew him! God bless you Kevin, you were a great cop but an even better friend!

Ofc. G. R. Eaves (Retired)
Compton Police Dept.
November 12, 2008

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