Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Christopher did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Christopher be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Burgert's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Christopher is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Christopher was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiance Dennis for me.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Deputy Sheriff Dennis McElderry's fiancee - EOW (01/03/03)

April 19, 2004

From the members of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office to the family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Christopher M. Burgert we would like to extend our deepest sympathy. We all felt your loss that day. Deputy Burgert will not be forgotten.

Cayuga County Sheriff's Office NY

April 16, 2004

On behalf of the Pittsfield Police Dept., we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Dpty. Bugert. God Bless.

Officer Rodney Minoty
Pittsfield Police Dept. ME

April 15, 2004

To the Burgert family, friends, and the Bradford County Sheriff's Department. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Deputy Burgert for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

Chris.............. R.I.P................. friend.

Cpl.D.McDonald ret
Canton PD

April 11, 2004

WE SOMETIMES DON'T THINK ABOUT THE STARS THAT KISS OUR NIGHT SKIES UNTIL WE SEE THEM AGAIN THE NEXT NIGHT. BUT, IT IS THE STARS THAT MAKE US REMEMBER.

OFFICER S.TURNER
WASHINGTON DCPD

April 11, 2004

my deepest sympathy go out to the Burgert family,friends,and co-workers may God be with you all in your time of loss officer Burgert thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that you gave to protect all rest in peace


(sister) of Deputy John David Garcia

April 6, 2004

Dep. Burgert,

You truly are hero. Your brothers in blue could only hope to be as brave as you. My prayers are with you and your family and all the members of the Bradford County Sheriff's Department. RIP.

Ofc. BM Damon
T/ Manlius PD, NY

April 6, 2004

To the family of Officer Burgert, God Bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow, I have served with this Officer and will miss him also.

1SG Vernon Perry III MP
362nd MP Det (L&O)

April 6, 2004

For the Courange...
To face the daily demands and challenges most never know in an entire lifetime;
For the Character...
Behind the badge that gives real meaning to words like"faithfulness" and"integrity" ,
For the concern...
That makes justice possible... that makes peace a reality in our community and nation.
This comes with the Thanks too seldom said...
With adoration too deep to express.

Rest in Peace my brothers we have the watch.

Lieutenant Marshall R. Emerson
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Nevada

April 5, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Deputy Sheriff Christopher M. Burgert … and the Bradford County Sheriff's Department… our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Christopher... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vin and Pook- Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

April 5, 2004

TO: The family;loved ones;friends and department members: A POLICE OFFICER'S PRAYER:- O,gentle Lord! Keep the day/night watch with me. As I begin my tour of duty,I ask your protection from all mental,physical and spiritual harm.Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing your work, endeavoring to keep peace among your people.Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone. May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties. Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent upon me for life and saftey. Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted.Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence. Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers,and that I may back them up effectively when called upon for assistance. Lord ,I ask that I may return safely,after my tour of duty,to my loved ones and those who love me. I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer;and after my tour of duty is over here on earth ,may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that you have promised to those who serve you well. AMEN ***REST IN PEACE*** Sent to you by the father of Officer First Class J.D.Koeppen ,Capital City Raleigh NC and Trooper D.C.Koeppen,NJ State Police

Chief (retired) Douglas A.Koeppen
Washington New Jersey

April 5, 2004

A Brother Warrior has fell and died today in battle.

This Brother Warrior has made the ultimate sacrifice.

He has given his life for his Fellow Warriors, his family and friends too.

Brother Warrior, pass your sword to us, so we can keep your spirit alive.

You, my Brother Warrior will not be forgotten.

God Bless you, your family and your friends.

We honor and respect all of the Fallen Warriors who have gone before us.

We ask you, Brother Warriors to guide us, protect us and pray for us.

We will meet again my Brother Warriors.

For this time not to fight another battle, but to live in eternal peace.

God bless all of the Warriors, past, present and future.

Sgt. Chad McDaniel
Seminole County Sheriff's Office (FL)

April 5, 2004

Thank you for your dedication and faithfulness to duty above & beyond the call. We are proud to call you a Brother of the Thin Blue Line. Rest in Peace and in the knowledge your loved
ones are never alone. We are but a phone call away.

Bob Johnson, Chaplain
Blue Knights VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret.d)
Blue Knights International Police

April 5, 2004

My heart truly aches for all the family and friends. Don't be afraid to lean on the ones there for you. He died to protect the world and now he is an angel in blue protecting from above. It is time and friends that will help all family heel. You don't have to be strong. It will never make sense to you but just know that he was chosen to go to a better place. Bless all of you who mourn.

Gina Pocceschi Boyle
SISTER OF VIRGINIA BEACH FALLEN
OFFICER RODNEY POCCESCHI (EOW 6/23/03)

GINA POCCESCHI BOYLE
Sister of Rodney Pocceschi/fallen officer EOW 6/23/03

April 4, 2004

REST EASY SIR FOR YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!!!

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

SOMEBODY KILLED A POLICEMAN TODAY,
AND A PART OF AMERICA DIED.
A PIECE OF OUR COUNTRY HE SWORE TO PROTECT WILL BE BURIED
WITH HIM AT HIS SIDE.
THE SUSPECT WHO KILLED HIM WILL STAND UP IN COURT, WITH HIS
COUNSEL DEMANDING HIS RIGHTS, WHILE A WIDOWED MOTHER MUST
WORK FOR HER KIDS AND SPEND ALONE MANY LONG NIGHTS.
THE BEAT THAT HE WORKED WAS A BATTLEFIELD, TOO.
JUST AS IF HE’ED GONE OFF TO WAR. THOUGH THE FLAG OF OUR
NATION WON’T FLY AT HALF MAST, TO HIS NAME THEY WILL ADD A GOLD
STAR. YES, SOMEBODY KILLED A POLICEMAN TODAY, IT HAPPENED IN
YOUR TOWN OR MINE. WHILE WE SLEPT IN A COMFORT BEHIND OUR
LOCKED DOORS.
A COP PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE. NOW HIS GHOST WALKS THE BEAT ON
A DARK CITY STREET, AND HE STAND AT EACH NEW ROOKIE’S SIDE, HE
ANSWERED THE CALL AND GAVE US HIS ALL, AND A PART OF AMERICA
DIED.

POEM FOR ALL LEO’S KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY!

ANONYMOUS AUTHOR

Tonya Stephenson
Delaware County Private Citizen, PA

April 4, 2004

I am saddened to learn of more law enforcement deaths. I hate knowing we live in such a cruel world. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Deputy Burgert's family.

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

To Deputy Burgert family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you

God Bless you

terry miyares, surviving spouse
Officer Emilio Miyares, Hialeah PD, Fl 11/6/86

April 4, 2004

D/S Christopher Burgert and D/S Michael Van Kuren gave their lives protecting the citizens of Bradford County. Brothers, your service will not go unnoticed and you will never be forgotten. You can rest now while watching over us all from heaven above. Family, friends and co-workers of D/S Christopher Burgert and D/S Michael Van Kuren can turn to the LORD during these sad and unfortunate times. Remember you are all part of a close family in law enforcement. Be strong. GOD BLESS.

Cpl. Vernon Brown
Orange County Sheriff's Office, Fl

April 3, 2004

Family, Co-Workers, Friends of Deputy Burgert: You are not alone in your time of sorrow. We are here to share the burden of your pain and help you gain strength thru the memory of your loved one. May God comfort you in your time of need. Rest in peace brother and watch over us from above.

Trooper
New York State Police

April 3, 2004

Dear family and friends of Deputy Burgert,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know words will not lessen this pain, but please know that you are in the prayers of many. Please know that he died a HERO, and his service and sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten!

Valarie Bell Wright
Daughter of Ptl. William B. Bell
EOW 11-19-02
Summerville Police Dept, SC

Valarie Bell Wright
Daughter of PTL. WILLIAM B. BELL EOW 11-19-02

April 3, 2004

I graduated the police academy with Deputy Burgert. He was an outstanding person, quiet, but ready to lead. When I learned of the incident, and who was involved, I cried harder than ever. Chris, is a brother. I say "is" because he will live on in memory. I send my sincere condolences to his son, wife, mother and father, and the entire family. Chris will never be forgotten.

Officer First Class Jason Neidig
City of Aberdeen Police Dept.

April 3, 2004

My wife and I send our condolences to the families of Deputy Sheriff Christopher Burgert and his partner, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is so sad to hear about the deaths of fellow officers but isn't it wonderful how other officers and their families gather round to offer support? This is what keeps us going in the face of the senseless violence we deal with daily.

Our love and our support goes out to the families and fellow officers who grieve today.

Det/Sgt (Retired) Art Kern
Elkhart City PD Elkhart, IN

April 3, 2004

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Christopher Burgert. My he rest in peace

Anonymous

April 3, 2004

This has been a very sad week for police officers....I hope your family and friends may find understanding during this difficult time...Thank you both for giving of yourselves that the rest of us might be safe....God speed to you both....

Wife of a Sgt.
Macomb County Sheriff Dept, MI

April 3, 2004