Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hello my love,

On this, what would have been our third Valentine’s Day together, I’ve spent the day quietly. I took the day off from work, slept in a bit, took George (your ever-loyal dog) for a walk, ran some errands and tried to piece together what this ‘new, unwanted, normal’ is all about. I knew that this day, would bring me many, many feelings that I just couldn’t share with those that don’t know. Not for a lack of compassion, but rather just because they simply do not know how devastating loss can be. So far, I/we (George and I) have done okay. In addition to our extra long walk in the snow, he’s received a couple pieces of chocolate and an extra cup of food as a Valentine’s Day treat. The little guy has had an okay day. As I type this, he sits contentedly next to my feet chewing on his bone. I sense that this routine if familiar to him – he has sat at your feet many, many times while you have been on the computer.

I remember so vividly, the weekend before our first Valentine’s Day, when you gave me a miniature replica of your badge in a wallet that I could put my driver’s license into. You said, after first trying to find the right words, “…tell them your fiancé is a cop.” I’m not sure you really knew what to say, as we had only been dating for a short time. It seemed to me that those words seemed the most appropriate at the time. I knew and you knew that it was too soon for all that, but the phrasing just seemed so natural. In retrospect, I wonder if you ever knew how ecstatic I was to receive it?! I know now, these years later, that you know exactly what joy it brought me. You continued to surprise me that year, when in addition to that, you sent me roses on the actual day. I remember when they were delivered to my office. I was so completely taken aback that I asked the mailroom guy, “What’s this?” (What can I say sweetheart, they came in a box and we had already celebrated Valentine’s Day -- I truly did not know…) He looked at me like I was crazy. I still giggle at how sweetly surprised I was that day.

I could go on and on and on about memories but won’t right now. I simply want to say this. I know that you know how much I love you and I simply did not know it was possible to miss someone this much. And on this, the sweetest of days, I have but one wish. For those that have not been or have been infrequently visited by you through their dreams, I so hope that you are able to get through to them -- especially to your mom, dad and sisters. I don’t know how it works and I don’t know how hard it must be to get through the grief that so many of us share. I simply hope that on this very sweet day that love prevails over the grief and that we all share sweet dreams of you.

All my love,
Stacy (YNG)

Stacy

February 14, 2007

Happy Valentines Day in Heaven.
We love and miss you always

Sally

February 14, 2007

Rod, I found this web site today? What took me so long? I can see I am not the only one who is grieving hard. I can't believe it has been almost a year. I was trying to remember the name of your iguana and I have completely blocked it out and it is driving me crazy! I wonder if it is some kind of mental block. Rod you were such a great friend. Hi to all the family members I heard so much about especially Sally, Roddy used to talk about you all the time. You are all very special mostly because you meant so much to Roddy. If anyone who reads this remembers the name of the Iguana could you please post it. Stacy I wish I had met you, you are very lucky to have loved Roddy as we all are.Peace to all. Vicky

Vicky Caspar Eichler
college friend

February 1, 2007

You have not been forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let that be the case. You will always be a true hero and heroes never die. I know the pain and the many broken hearts that think of you every hour of every day. Some will say it was just like yesterday that that you were here but to those close to you that awake every morning it feels like a lifetime that they were able to feel your warm touch, see your smile and hear your voice. There are no magic words I can offer your loved ones to help them deal with their grief except to keep your memory alive by talking with your brother officers and find out as many stories as they can about you and pass them on to others in the family. I will end with a poem someone sent me recently, poem is by Richard Fife:

No person is ever truly alone.
Those who live no more,
Whom we loved,
Echo still within our thoughts,
Our words, our hearts.
And what they did,
And who they were,
Becomes a part of all that we are,
Forever.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 23, 2007

Sarge 4d is not the same without you. We miss you man.

PFC Glover #2626
MPD

January 3, 2007

Roddy,
Tell Patti she should not worry so much :)
We love and miss you always

January 1, 2007

Happy New Year in Heaven. Love and miss you always.

Sally

January 1, 2007

Happy New Year Roddy. I love you and miss you always.

Patti Resmini
Sister

January 1, 2007

Merry Christmas, we sure missed you tonight, but we had drinks in your honor. Please keep watching out for us.

MPDC 3D

December 26, 2006

Roddy, Roddy, Roddy... can it be Christmas without you? Never to hear "Uncle Roddy's here, uncle Roddy's here" again, seems unconscionable. It is so hard here without you. ittNothing will ever be the same. People say it will get easier, but its been nine months and I miss you more now than ever. Please watch over Mommy, Daddy and Stacey; help them get through their grief. I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know all of your police officers and your friends. I know that Mom and Dad were always worried that you were lonely in D.C., and now they know that was not the case (by far). Witt's toast at your unofficial wake at the 4 P's (Rod was loved by women and feared by drug dealers...} continues to make me smile. Please help Stacey to move foward, as I love her like a sister and would have been honored to have her in our family. Help Sally deal with her grief as she is not ready to share it with anybody and I worry about her all the time. I think her grief is to profound to share with anyone yet, and I know she hasn't let anyone in yet. Mommy and Daddy are able to talk about losing you more openly, but every day when they awake, there is still that moment when life is good, until they remember you are gone. I let myself cry today and promise to do better tomorrow. I treasure the memory of your telling me that of all your nieces and nephews, that Jessie was the most like you. Your insights into her psyche were on the nose... and I can tell you that you were absolutely right when it came to the whole Santa thing. She was totally pissed off that I lied to her... exactly as you predicted. The battery on my laptop is sending ominous signals to me, so I'd best sign off. With all of my heart, I will love you forever and miss you every day, until we meet again.

Patti

Patricia Burke Resmini
Sister

December 23, 2006

Hi Sweetheart.

November 6th. It's just a day to many, but to me its a day to miss you even more; two years ago today, we went on our first date. Wanted you to know that I've been thinking about your smile, eyes, and laugh all day. I hope heaven is good to you.

All my love,
Stacy

Stacy Slette

November 6, 2006

Tia sheds a tear.....

Anonymous
college friend

October 2, 2006

Happy 6th month anniversary in heaven. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. Keep watching over everyone. Love and miss you always.

September 23, 2006

College Football starts this weekend. Remembering CUA games, talking shit about Penn State and Notre Dame with beers at Kitty O'Sheas. RIP.

Tom Stallone
a friend

September 2, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Happy 40th Birthday Roddy. We think of you everyday.We love and miss you.

Sally

August 16, 2006

Happy Birthday - I think of you often.

August 16, 2006

August 16th -- it would have been your 40th birthday today. We are gathering to celebrate your life at Duffy's and the 4P's tonight. I'm sure we'll raise many Amstel Lights in your honor. Miss you.

August 16, 2006

Dear Sarge,

It has been nearly five months since you departed. Your MPD family still misses you very much and takes you on patrol with them everyday. When I have a pint of Guinness, no matter where I am, I pause, lift my glass toward Heaven, bow my head, and silently think, "To Sgt. Burke." You are forever in my heart and I will never forget your professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude. Even when I'm "99", I know I'm really "10-4" because I take you with me. Thank you for all you've taught and done for me, the Officers who served PROUDLY under you, and the citizens you served. and yes, I'm STILL "trying to get to the lower end.". May you always rest in peace, Sir.

PFC. Attardo "4111"

PFC. Anthony M. Attardo
MPDC 4th District

August 7, 2006

Hi Handsome.

Today we reached the 17 week mark, with this coming Sunday being the official 4 month mark that you've been gone.

I still cannot believe you're not here.

When my phone rings at work, I glance at the caller ID and hope that I'll see your cell number appear. I know, of course, that I won't. Your calling to "check-in" is one of the many little things I miss about you during these exceedingly long days since March 23.

George is doing okay although he continues to lay by the door waiting for you. I suspect he will until the end of his own days. He was most definitely your dog sweetheart and he loved you very much! I try to make sure that he's getting enough attention and that he's not lonely. I worry about him -- exactly they way you did. I guess that's to be expected given his disposition. He's the most faithful, loyal dog I've met.

I'm going up to Long Island to see your family the weekend of August 5th. I'm anxious to see all the Burkes as they are such GOOD people and I feel so connected to you through them. I'm especially looking forward to seeing your nieces and nephew. Those kids have made such a gigantic impression on my heart and their smiles and hugs do so much to make me feel some joy. You’ll be talked about a lot that day and I know you'll there in spirit taking it all in.

I guess it's time for me to feed George. I can't begin to express how much we love and miss you. Just know that we do.

All my love,
Stacy

Stacy Slette

July 20, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06

July 15, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sergeant Burke, especially to his fiancee. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading all the reflections left for Gerard, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that Gerard's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Gerard's life was about so much more than the way he died. Gerard will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Sergeant Burke, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

June 7, 2006

My thought & prayers go out 2 Sgt. Burke's survivors. He will always be a Hero: honored, loved & remembered.

MPD Applicant J. Campbell

May 2, 2006

Thank you for your service. God Speed and Rest in Peace.

Officer L.Madore
New Bern PD, New Bern, NC

April 30, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

April 28, 2006