Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia remembers Officer Darron Burks as an "amazing individual" who epitomized what it meant to wear the uniform. Burks was killed in a targeted attack while sitting in his police car, leaving an imprint on the community he served.
In the wake of the tragic loss of Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks, the community is reeling from the senseless violence that took his life. Burks, a 46-year-old rookie officer, was killed in a targeted attack on August 29th while sitting in his parked patrol car near the Oak Cliff Community Center.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia described Burks as an "amazing individual" who epitomized what it meant to wear the police uniform. He had served as a teacher for 17 years before entering the police academy last year, and Garcia said he made an immediate impact on his fellow officers.
Dallas Community Mourns Officer Darron Burks, 'Executed' in Line of Duty
"He was older when he entered the academy, but they all looked up to him," Garcia said. "He was the best representation of their class, and he will be missed."
The shooting took place as Burks was sitting in the parking lot between calls. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Corey Cobb-Bey, approached and opened fire without warning. Garcia said a dispatcher recognized what was happening from Burks' radio transmission and alerted responding officers.
Dallas Community Mourns Officer Darron Burks, 'Executed' in Line of Duty
"Our officers were targeted by nothing more than the uniforms that they wear and for the brave and honorable job that they do," Garcia said. "I want to be clear here, the word ambush has been thrown around in the last 24 hours. That is not what happened here. Officer Burks was executed."
Two other responding officers, Senior Corporal Jamie Farmer and Senior Corporal Marissa David, were also injured in the shooting. Farmer has been released from the hospital, while David remains in critical condition after being shot in the face.
Dallas Community Mourns Officer Darron Burks, 'Executed' in Line of Duty
The Dallas community is rallying around Burks' family and fellow officers during this difficult time. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the Watermark Church in Dallas, and Garcia expects it to be "very well attended."
"His loss and his sacrifice fortifies us, strengthens us," Garcia said. "And, we owe him everything."
Cobb-Bey was killed in a shootout with police after a highway chase. He had a history of mental illness and had recently been released from a psychiatric hospital.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but Garcia said it was clear that Cobb-Bey targeted Burks and the other officers because of their uniforms.
"This was an attack on our entire community," Garcia said. "We will not be deterred by this act of violence, and we will continue to serve and protect the people of Dallas."
