Slain Dallas police officer remembered as ‘hero’ during funeral service
Dallas police Officer Darron Burks, who was fatally shot in what the police chief called an execution, was remembered as a hero at a funeral service in Dallas on Saturday.
“A hero who made the ultimate sacrifice … the grief is overwhelming,” Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said during the nearly two-hour service that was often marked by applause for Burks’ mother, Cherie Jeffery, and laughter at memories of Burks.
“He loved me every day, he didn’t wait for my birthday” or various holidays, Jeffery said as she stood next to a portrait of Burks in his uniform, adding that her son texted her daily. “Darron loved everyone.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said Burks was “tragically taken and targeted” because he was a police officer.
Burks was “a hero … with a spirit of service and selflessness,” Johnson said.
Bagpipes sounded and mourners filed past his open casket, which was decorated at either end with an American flag and uniformed police officers, until the casket was closed for the service.
Burks, 46, was sitting in his patrol car on August 29 when he was fatally shot by 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, who spoke briefly with Burks and filmed the encounter before pulling a gun and shooting Burks, police said.
“I know the word ambush has been thrown around … that did not happen here,” Garcia said after the shooting. “Officer Burks was executed.”
Cobb-Bey shot and wounded two other officers when they arrived at the scene, then fled and was pursued by police into Lewisville, Texas, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Dallas, police said.
When Cobb-Bey’s vehicle came to a stop on Interstate 35, he got out with a shotgun in his hand and pointed it at officers. Six officers opened fire, killing Cobb-Bey, who was hit multiple times, police said.
Burks joined the force in December after graduating from the police academy, having previously spent 17 years as a high school math teacher.
Governor Greg Abbott said at Johnson’s request that the flags of the states of Texas and the United States can be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Burks.
“The First Lady and I pray for comfort for the Burks family during this time of grief, and we urge all Texas residents to remember and honor Officer Burks’ service as a dedicated and trusted law enforcement officer,” Abbott said. in a letter to Johnson.