Hundreds Pay Respects To Fallen Texas Trooper Burns
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)
The hat and boots of James Scott Burns, a state trooper shot and killed on April 29, rest on his coffin during a funeral ceremony Saturday in Linden. Officers from several public safety departments from Texas and Louisiana were on hand to pay their final respects.
By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer
LINDEN — Several hundred mourners, including family, friends and law enforcement officers from around the state and nation gathered at First Baptist Church in Linden on Saturday to pay their respects to a fallen hero.
Staff Writer
LINDEN — Several hundred mourners, including family, friends and law enforcement officers from around the state and nation gathered at First Baptist Church in Linden on Saturday to pay their respects to a fallen hero.
Law enforcement vehicles numbering in the hundreds lined the streets of downtown Linden as officers from as far away as California joined state and local agencies to mourn the death of Trooper James Scott Burns, who died in the line of duty April 29.
Tela Mange, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said the number of law men and women who made their presence felt in honor of Burns, his family and colleagues is a testament to the dedication and respect the numerous agencies share.
“We’re grateful to all of the law enforcement brothers that have traveled so far to show their gratitude for the sacrifice he made,” she said. “It is good to know that we are not alone in our grief.”
Ms. Mange said it is difficult to put into words the sadness of losing a fellow trooper, but that the day would not be forgotten because of such a momentous gathering. Ms. Mange said that since she joined TDPS in 1997 she has been part of at least eight funerals for troopers killed while on duty. She said they are hard, but the most difficult part for her is when troopers’ badges are called on and then given the 1042 designation, which means “out of service.” Burns’ name will join other officers who have died on duty on a wall at TDPS headquarters and on the state wall in Austin.
Ms. Mange said it is difficult to put into words the sadness of losing a fellow trooper, but that the day would not be forgotten because of such a momentous gathering. Ms. Mange said that since she joined TDPS in 1997 she has been part of at least eight funerals for troopers killed while on duty. She said they are hard, but the most difficult part for her is when troopers’ badges are called on and then given the 1042 designation, which means “out of service.” Burns’ name will join other officers who have died on duty on a wall at TDPS headquarters and on the state wall in Austin.
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)
Friends, family and fellow peace officers attend the funeral service of James Scott Burns at Shiloh Cemetery on Saturday.
As Burns’ family walked from the family gathering room to the main auditorium, the officers outside formed a “wall of honor” and saluted as they passed.
Inside the church, which Burns attended, Brother Jackie Stanfield and Ronnie Hamm gave solace to family and shared stories about Burns. Hamm said Burns had a special way with everyone he came in contact with, especially children. Hamm told of Burns’ dedication to his job, his family and the citizens of Texas, whom he served.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” he read. “Scott did just that,” Stanfield said, quoting John 15:13. “Scott did just that.”
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” he read. “Scott did just that,” Stanfield said, quoting John 15:13. “Scott did just that.”
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)
State troopers salute the family of James Scott Burns as they exit the First Baptist Church of Linden.
After the ceremony, troopers and family solemnly exited the church and joined an enormous procession that made its way to Shiloh Cemetery several miles south of Linden. Groups of citizen and mourners lined Highway 59 South, some of them holding Texas flags, as the procession passed.
The mass of mourners filled the cemetery as the trooper’s casket, draped with a Texas flag, was carried by pallbearers to his final resting place. The casket was preceded by troopers carrying Burns’ boots and hat and followed by his immediate family. Graveside, a rifle salute was given and taps played as TDPS honor guard folded the state flag and presented it to Burns’ wife.
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Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, presented Burns’ wife and parents with U.S. flags that had flown atop the Capitol Building and shared his condolences on the behalf of the community, state and thankful nation for Burns’ dedication to the protection of others.
Burns, who turned 39 years old April 6, was a five-year veteran of the TDPS and had previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He leaves behind parents Ronnie and Judy; his wife, Michaela; and 6-month-old daughter, Micah.
Burns, who turned 39 years old April 6, was a five-year veteran of the TDPS and had previously worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He leaves behind parents Ronnie and Judy; his wife, Michaela; and 6-month-old daughter, Micah.
The silence built as his wife and family stood for the dispatchers call. Burns’ wife surrounded the folded state flag with her arms, holding it close to her chest. A voice came over a TDPS radio calling for a statewide minute of silence for Burns. As the silence waned, a call came out for Burns.
“Texarkana 1082 …” the voice said. There was only silence.
“Texarkana 1082 …” the voice said. Again, silence.
“Texarkana 1082 …” the voice said. Again, silence.
The voice of one of Burns’ superiors, Sgt. Josh Mason, Texarkana 1413, came over the speaker and was acknowledged by the dispatcher.
“Texarkana 1082 is 1042,” he said.
“Texarkana 1082 is 1042 copy,” said the dispatcher her voice cracking. “He’s gone home.”
Updated Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. CDT
Updated Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. CDT
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