Deputy Allen Burdic Remembered with Memorial Highway Sign

Nearly 44 years after Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Allen Burdic was grievously injured and three years after he died from complications of those injuries, a fallen officer memorial highway sign was dedicated in his honor Monday. ODOT workers installed the sign at the Interstate 5 exit 108 interchange near the Myrtle Creek bridge. Deputy Burdic confronted a shooting suspect at this location on August 12, 1980. He was shot twice, and his legs were run over when the suspect fled in a stolen patrol vehicle. Burdic suffered a spinal injury and partial paralysis. He continued to receive medical care until he passed away March 11, 2021. The memorial dedication was the result of advocacy of his wife, Erlah Burdic, and the efforts of State Representative Christine Goodwin. As the sign was installed, Burdic, Goodwin and Lt. Brad O'Dell addressed a group of attendees including Commissioners Freeman, Boice and Kress, County Clerk Dan Loomis and Canyonville Mayor Christine Morgan. Members of the DCSO honor guard were joined by a Hillsboro PD honor guard member who concluded the ceremony by playing "Amazing Grace" on Deputy Burdic's trumpet. Prior to his injury, Deputy Burdic had served with DCSO for one year and had previously served with the Canyonville Police Department for three years. Photos provided courtesy of Kellie Trinkle Via- Douglas County Government.