Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks, who was tragically shot in what authorities described as an execution, was honored as a hero during a heartfelt funeral service in Dallas on Saturday.
During the nearly two-hour service, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia expressed, “A hero who made the ultimate sacrifice… The grief is overwhelming.” The ceremony was filled with applause for Burks’ mother, Cherie Jeffery, and laughter amid cherished memories of Burks.
Cherie Jeffery lovingly recounted her son’s daily texts, saying, “He loved me every day, he didn’t wait until my birthday or various holidays. Darron loved everybody.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson highlighted Burks’ untimely death, stating he was “tragically taken, targeted” for his role as a police officer. He described Burks as “a hero… with a spirit of service and selflessness.”
The service included solemn moments marked by the sound of bagpipes as mourners paid their respects, passing Burks’ open casket draped with a U.S. flag and flanked by uniformed officers.
Burks, 46, was fatally shot on August 29 while sitting in his patrol car. The assailant, 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, initiated a brief conversation with Burks before shooting him. Authorities indicated that Burks’ killing was an execution, with Garcia stating, “Officer Burks was executed.”
Cobb-Bey also shot and injured two additional officers during his escape, subsequently fleeing to Lewisville, Texas. His vehicle was stopped on Interstate 35, where he exited with a shotgun aimed at pursuing officers. In response, six officers fired at him, resulting in Cobb-Bey’s death.
Officer Burks had joined the force in December after a career as a high school math teacher spanning 17 years.
In a gesture of respect, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that flags in Texas and across the United States would be lowered to half-staff in Burks’ honor. He expressed condolences in a letter, stating, “The First Lady and I extend prayers of comfort for the Burks family during their time of grief, and we urge all Texans to remember and honor Officer Burks’ service as a dedicated and trusted law enforcement officer.”
