ALBANY, Ore. — Law enforcement and members of the local community honored Oregon State Police (OSP) Sgt. John Burright during a memorial service on Wednesday. Sgt. Burright died in May after a 20-year battle with severe injuries after being hit by a car.
On Sept. 4, 2001, a vehicle hit Sgt. Burright while he was helping a family in a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 5. Trooper Maria Mignano and Albany Police Department Officer Jason Hoerauf died. The accident left Sgt. Burright paralyzed and with brain damage. He died on May 4, 2021.
The memorial service started around 1 p.m. at the Salem Armory. Friends and family members of Sgt. Burright remembered him as a caring and adventurous father who shared his love of the outdoors with his sons.
One of Sgt. Burright's three sons, Kyle, spoke at the memorial service.
"Through and through, I know my dad made an impact on everyone he was around. And I really strive for that in my life so that his legacy can live on," said Kyle.
Earlier in the day, law enforcement agencies from around the area took part in a procession. It started around 10:20 a.m. at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany, and it passed by the Oregon State Police Albany Patrol Office where Sgt. Burright spent most of his career. The procession continued north on Interstate 5 and ended at the Salem Armory for the memorial service.
Donations to the Burright family
Anyone who wants to make a donation to the Burright family can do so through the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation. All donations collected by the foundation during this time will go directly to the Burright family.
