4,000 OFFICERS JOIN FAMILY AT FUNERAL FOR PATROLMAN, 25.

Byline: Larry Gerber Associated Press 

For California Highway Patrol Officer Don Burt, police work was sort of a family affair. His dad, a CHP sergeant, pinned a badge on his son at graduation from the training academy last year.

Burt's father, Don Sr., choked his way through a remembrance Thursday as 4,000 officers from across California and several other states joined the family for the funeral. Burt's pregnant wife, Kristin, sang a verse of ``You Are My Sunshine.''

The 25-year-old patrolman was shot to death Saturday after making a traffic stop.

As witnesses watched from a nearby restaurant, the driver suddenly pulled a gun and shot Burt seven times while the officer was searching the car.

A 25-year-old ex-convict was arrested in Houston. Hung Thanh Mai waived extradition and was expected to be brought to Orange County this week to face charges.

Everyone talks about law officers being a ``family,'' but in Burt's case it was true, said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Spike Helmick. Besides his father, stationed with the CHP in Riverside, the younger Burt's father-in-law and brother-in-law also worked in law enforcement.

Even before he graduated from the academy, he was kidded by his sister Kelley about having ``that cop attitude,'' Gov. Pete Wilson said.

``Thank God for that cop attitude,'' Wilson said. ``It's what keeps a civilized society from becoming a jungle.''

A cortege of motorcycles and squad cars filled several blocks of Fairview Street outside Calvary Chapel.

Mourners filled the sanctuary. Hundreds more crowded into a fellowship hall and a gym where the service was relayed on television.

As bagpipers skirled ``Amazing Grace,'' Helmick momentarily buried his face in his hands. Family snapshots and a portrait of a grinning Burt stood on display beside the flag-draped coffin.

Burt's commander, Capt. Chuck Lynd, recalled in the eulogy how the young officer, instead of keeping a low profile as most rookies learn to do, managed to wreck two patrol cars during his first year.

But he had ``the right stuff,'' Lynd said.

``Don will never get a chance to talk to his son or daughter about a career in law enforcement,'' Lynd said. ``The cold reality is that's the price we pay for doing our jobs.''

When her turn came to sing, 28-year-old Kristin Burt, whose baby is expected in September, thanked Lynd for remembering funny stories and making her laugh.

``Forgive me if I have to pause,'' she said. ``The baby's kicking right now.''

Then she made her way unaccompanied through a verse of ``You Are My Sunshine.''

``Even through all this, my sunshine hasn't gone away,'' she said. ``It's always going to be here in my heart. I love you, honey bunny.''

The traffic stop started out as routine, Wilson said. But Burt knew the risks in his job.

``I am filled with anger at the vicious thug that stole your husband's life, your son's life,'' Wilson told the Burts.

``But I think we have to remember that it is Donnie who triumphs. . . . You will, in fact, survive. . . . Be proud. Be consoled,'' the governor said. ``He would want that.''

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Don Burt Memorial Fund, C/O California Highway Patrol, 2031 East Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana, Calif. 92705.

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PHOTO Kristin Burt, pregnant widow of slain California High way Patrol Officer Don Burt Jr., 25, sings a verse at his funeral service Thursday in Santa Ana.

Associated Press