October 5, 1993 CMPD Officers Burnette and Nobles EOW

John and Andy were the first two officers killed at one time in the history of Charlotte and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. 

The officers patrolled Boulevard Homes - a housing project that was notorious for crime. 

On October 5, 1993 John and Andy were chasing a suspect who ran into a wooded area near the Boulevard Homes housing project. The suspect shot and killed the two officers. 

In the 30 years since, Charlotte has erected a memorial Uptown to honor all officers who died in the line of duty. Burnette's and Nobles' names are there. That's not the only place. City officials tore down Boulevard Homes and built the Renaissance Development. Two roads in that development are now named after the officers. Related 

But now 30 years later much of the current CMPD rank and file never knew John and Andy. 

Rookie Officers hear the cautionary tale and try to understand the why and how, but most will never understand that it was more than just two active duty officers killed in the line of duty by a worthless Mofo. It was the beginning of the end of a good department.

Most of those on duty that night have now retired. I can remember asking a friend a CMPD sergeant for some doing some secondary and he begged off saying I just lost two of my guys. 

As the sun begins to set on this memories come fast. It is hard to know and not think about it. A radio call brings back a flood of emotion. Those who knew John and Andy think of them often the job is like that. But you try not to think. Its hard for those left behind. 

Rest easy heroes we have the watch.