Officer Down Memorial Page

18 years ago tonight. It doesn't seem that long ago. It is still so vivid. God bless you Todd.

Survivor
Indiana State Police
July 29, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth 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 pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. In reading your reflections, I can see you made an impact on the lives of many people and that you were well respected. I have always liked the quote "It is not how they died that is important. It is how they lived." Your character seems to exemplify that quote.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 29, 2010

I still think of the short time we spent together - crossing the median on I-65 with you saying "I think we can make it!!" and then seeing mud and water over the windshield, late night meetings in the middle of nowhere in Carroll County, our eerily similar sense of humor (not always appreciated by everyone else!), many other stories, and just simply how great of a guy you were. I think of you almost daily, and know that you are looking out for all of us with a badge - like you always did when you were here. Always watching out for other people and officers, and leaving a lasting and dear memory with me.

I left law enforcement shortly after your passing; but as I put the uniform back on again, you will always be in my mind as a constant reminder of what an officer should be - fair, honest, brave, and willing to help out however and whenever possible.

Thank you, Todd.

Anonymous
June 23, 2010

Trooper Burman you will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Trooper
Michigan State Police
July 29, 2009

Trooper Burman you will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Trooper
Michigan State Police
July 29, 2009

Remembering you this day and everyday. Rest in Peace Todd.

Dep. Randy Bennett
Henry County Sheriff's Dept. (Indiana)
July 29, 2008

Today is the 15th anniversary of your EOW. Time has not diminished your
service nor sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous
July 29, 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
October 23, 2007

God Bless Trooper Burman's family, friends and the ISPD. Todd will never be forgotten!

Ret. PO
City of Miami PD Fla.
September 25, 2007

With Gary's passing I have thought of you often. He was the first one that I called as soon as I was told of you being killed. I knew that he once worked with you and your dad and I knew he would have wanted to know about you right away. I can't believe it's been 13 years since that night. I still remember those mind numbing days during the 48th and those advantures on I-65 like they were yesterday. Keep a watch over us brother and we will keep a watch over your family. By the way, I saw your nephew over a year ago and there is no doubt the girls will be chasing him.

Sgt. Shana Kennedy
Indiana State Police
September 3, 2006

Our Greatest Fear
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
"Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again, I hold back a tear.
They patrol in the state, city, county and town,
in uniforms colored white, green, blue and brown.
The shape of their badges may vary,
but it’s a symbol that they all, proudly carry.
They leave for work with a kiss goodbye,
but some don’t come home, no matter how hard they try.
To uphold the law is the job that they pick,
with such high aspirations, why must some die so quick?
They leave behind loved ones, family and friends,
after their lives have met tragic ends.
Some die in crashes, others hearts not too stout,
too many have been lost when gunshots ring out.
Our Heavenly Father has called them home,
no more these dark streets do they roam.
Through trial and error they have given their best,
please Lord, now grant them eternal rest.
Yet once again the Thin Blue Line is diminished,
an officer’s final tour of duty is finished.
" Officer down", it’s our greatest fear,
and once again I hold back a tear.



Master Trooper Dave “Stumpy” Miller

Indiana State Police Dist 13
December 19, 2005

"The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path."

Thank you for helping us stay on the path. You shall not be forgotten.

65th Indiana State Police Recruit
Indiana State Police
December 3, 2005

My dear brother Todd,
I sit here with tears streaming down my cheeks as I look at your picture. It's been 12 years and I can remember it as if it were yesterday. We miss you terribly. We miss your sense of humor, your ability to make everyone laugh and your story telling was the best! And especially your laugh! Your name sake, Ethan Todd, is a lot like you. He's 3-1/2 now and Mom tells me all the time how much he reminds her of you. Both fearless, always trying new things, and let's not even mention the mischievous! I truly believe you had a hand in sending Ethan to me. I think you knew that he was exactly what I needed, a beautiful son who has enriched my life so much. I can't wait until Ethan is old enough to understand why we named him after you and I know he'll be so proud of you, just like the rest of us are!
We love and miss you!!

Julie, Mike and Ethan Todd
October 10, 2005

12 years ago today you were taken from us. Thank you for being my guardian angel since then. God bless and watch over all of us so that we may carry on the tradition of the State Police.

A friend
July 29, 2005

Todd. You are still a Dear Friend and I think of our fun times at the academy. You are in my thoughts every day! Please take care of my Kim, as I try to take care of your family! Love Scott

Master Trooper Scott Balch
Indiana State Police
December 22, 2004

Todd,

I remember the night of your tragic death. Upon my arrival at the scene you should have seen how the different departments worked together to process the scene. You would have been proud.

It has been almost 11 years since your death but it is burned into my memory like it was yesterday.

We will not forget you nor your good deeds you performed in protecting and serving the citizens of Indiana in the tradition of the Indiana State Police.

Sergeant Mike Nichols
Indiana State Police
June 12, 2004

Last week I was in Washington D.C. for police week. When I saw your name on the wall it brought back memories of the day you were killed. I can remember Dad coming and telling me that you had been shot and killed. Now almost 11 years later it is still fresh in my memory. I think about you every time I put on my uniform or go to work. Tomorrow we are going to Kentland to honor your Dad and his service to Newton Co. I am sure that when I am sitting in your back yard I will remember the good old days of when we used to come over for back yard barbecues and have a good time. Todd you are in my prayers and thoughts always. Chad

Trooper Chad D. Dick
Indiana State Police
May 21, 2004

Always with us in spirit Todd.

Anonymous

You have not been forgotten. May God bless you and you family always Todd.

Anonymous