Friends of fallen Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Burbridge say he was a gear-head: a car fanatic.
Tonight, racers from across the area hit the track to remember the sacrifice he made while protecting and serving our community.
On a special night for law enforcement at the race track, a special tribute was held for fallen deputy Mark Burbridge, a car enthusiast, here at the I-80 speedway.
For weeks, the community has been mourning the loss of fallen Pottawattamie County Deputy Mark Burbridge. But tonight, a special fundraiser and tribute, customized for Burbridge. "This tonight is for Mark. This is specifically for him" said Special Deputy Elizabeth Cleveland.
A race car, honoring Burbridge's life and sacrifice, competed in the races and ran a reverse lap around the race track, which the racing community considers a sign of respect for the fallen. "I think he would really get a kick out of this and having his face on the hood of the race car."
Racer Jim Cahill, who has a police background, started the race car tribute two years ago, for fallen Omaha Police officer, Kerrie Orozco. "I thought it would never happen again. And when it did, I thought, well I have to do it again."
With only one of Mark's favorite songs playing in the background: a moment of silence for the fallen hero.
"It chokes you up. When I see his picture, it brings back a lot of memories. Mark was an incredible guy" said Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Captain Justin Debour. "People grieve in different ways. Law enforcement handles it one way, the general public handles it another way, and I thought this was a pretty great opportunity to mix both up since he was a car nut."
The funds raised tonight will be given to fallen Deputy Burbridge's family.
