July 31, 2024 3:30 a.m.

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.

A county release said Oregon Department of Transportation workers installed the sign at the Interstate Five exit 108 interchange near the Myrtle Creek bridge. Deputy Burdic confronted a shooting suspect at this location on August 12th, 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. Burdic continued to receive medical care until he passed away March 11th, 2021.

The memorial dedication was the result of the advocacy of his wife, Eriah Burdic, and the efforts of State Representative Christine Goodwin.

As the sign was installed, Burdic, Goodwin, and DCSO Lieutenant Brad O’Dell addressed a group of attendees including Commissioners Freeman, Boice and Kress, County Clerk Daniel Loomis, and Canyonville Mayor Christine Morgan.

Members of the DCSO honor guard were joined by a Hillsboro Police Department guard member who concluded the ceremony by playing “Amazing Grace on Deputy Burdic’s trumpet

The release said 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.