The 3rd District Police suffered a heavy loss this week with the passing of one of its most honored officers, Sergeant Gerard W. Burke, Jr.  Sgt. Burke was off duty on Thursday evening when he spotted a Honda Civic on the road that he believed was stolen.  He was driving down Kenyon St NW in his personal vehicle at the time.  He used his cell phone to call 911 and provided his location to the dispatcher.  The audiotape of the 911 call also captured the sounds of Sgt. Burke gasping for air.  Sgt. Burke suffered from a ruptured aorta which was the likely cause of him losing control of his vehicle, striking two parked cars, and colliding with oncoming traffic on the 2800 block of 11th St NW.  Moments later, he was pronounced dead at Washington Hospital Center.

Please visit the 3rd District Substation messageboard for information on memorial services for Sgt. Burke.  DC Police Inspector Patrick A. Burke has posted the following message:

It is with a heavy heart that I write this e-mail about the loss of Sergeant Burke.  As Chief Newsham mentioned, Sgt. Burke’s death was ruled a line of duty death as he was in the performance of his official duties at the time of his passing.  An autopsy determined that Sgt. Burke had a rupture in his aorta, which caused a massive amount of blood to enter his aorctic sac.  For the many officers and citizens who are familiar with Sgt. Burke, you realize how tremendous this loss is.  Sgt. Burke literally lived, worked and died in his patrol service area (PSA 302).  This past year, Sgt. Burke was recognized as the 3rd District Sergeant of the Year – which is a great honor, and he has been the recipient of numerous other awards, commendations and accolades.  His work ethic, gregarious disposition and commitment to service epitomize the highest qualities of a Metropolitan Police Officer and he was truly a leader, role model and friend for all of those who were fortunate enough to know him.  President Lincoln one said, “Its not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years”.  Sgt. Burke had life in his years.  On behalf of the men and women of the Third District and the Third District Sub-Station, I’d like to thank the many people, who have offered words of comfort and support.  Please feel free to stop by the Sub-Station to sign a memory book, which will presented to Sgt. Burke’s family.  Details pertaining to services will be forthcoming.

Inspector Patrick A. Burke
Metropolitan Police Dept. Washington, DC
Third District Sub-Station
750 Park Rd. NW Washington, DC 20010
Office: 202 576-7447
Fax: 202 576-3350
E-Mail:

Comments

Memorial Service For Sgt. Burke Written by on 2006-03-26 16:42:49 Memorial Service for Seargeant Burke will be held on Tuesday, March 28th at:    Saint Patrick Catholic Church  619 Tenth Street, N.W.  Washington, DC 20001  202-347-2713    Source: Service Arrangements Set for Slain Officer, WJLA.

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