By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke has been named Interim Police Chief for the city of Burlington, where he served for 21 years.

Burke, who will start March 24, will replace often-embattled Chief Jon Murad. He is expected to assist in the transition and will conclude his service to Burlington on or before April 7.

Progressive Party Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak made the announcement in a news release this afternoon.

Burke and the Mayor have agreed to a two-year contract starting at $172,000 a year.

South Burlington records show Burke currently earns $142,000 a year.

It was unknown if Mulvaney-Stanak plans to have the same muzzle she recently imposed on Murad concerning news releases about arrests. She now pre-screens BPD press releases before they are distributed.

Joe Magee, the chief spokesman for the mayor, did not respond to inquiries.

The Mayor, in her announcement, noted Burke is no stranger to the issues in Burlington and the short-handed department.

“Chief Burke served most of his career here in the City of Burlington, he knows our Department well, and under his leadership I am confident that we can continue to build a Department that is responsive to our community’s needs,” Mulvaney-Stanak said.

“I also appreciate our shared understanding that strong leadership for the BPD will benefit not only the Queen City, but will serve to make our entire region safer for everyone who lives and visits here,” the Mayor wrote.

Burke leaves South Burlington, which has a reputation for the city manager, city council and taxpayers supporting the police, and heads to Burlington where the mayor, city council and some residents have failed to support the police at critical times.

Since Burke’s departure from Burlington, the city has seen overwhelming problems through increases due to homeless people, drug addicts, gangs, panhandling, loitering, shoplifting and road issues due to new routes for motorists.

South Burlington City Manager Jessie Baker said the move is a major loss for her community, but a great opportunity for Burke to return to Burlington and help make a difference at a critical time.

She said she believes Burke has the ability and the tools to make Burlington a safe and secure city again.

“Chief Burke exemplifies the best of modern progressive policing. His professionalism, respect for all, and adherence to exceptional police practices to hold the trust of all in the community have served the City of South Burlington well,” Baker said.

“A strong Burlington makes South Burlington strong and the state of Vermont generally,” Baker said.

The Burlington Police Officers Association are welcoming Burke back with open arms, according to the union president, Detective Joe Corrow.

“His proven leadership and experience speak for themselves, and we look forward to collaborating with him to further strengthen and rebuild the department. This is an incredibly positive step forward for the department,” the statement said.

Burke’s law enforcement career spans 31 years in Vermont municipal policing. He began his career as a patrol officer with Woodstock Police in 1993 and joined Burlington Police in 1997. Throughout his time with BPD, Burke became a leader in both the uniform and detective divisions and he served on a federal Drug Task Force.

Burke retired from BPD as Deputy Chief for Operations in 2018 to join South Burlington Police and was promoted to head the department in 2019 when Chief Trevor Whipple retired.

Burke currently serves on the Vermont Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission; the Department of Public Safety’s School Crisis Planning Team; as the first Vice President of the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police; and as the Chair of the Vermont Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

Burke said, in a statement released by Mulvaney-Stanak, “The Mayor and I have had lengthy conversations about this critical role and share common goals toward building a strong and safe Burlington which benefits all of Chittenden County and the State of Vermont.”

He added, “My previous service with the Burlington Police Department contributed a great deal to my professional development – this is a time for me to give back to a City and Department I am committed to.”

Mulvaney-Stanak also issued a statement on behalf of Murad, who said “The Burlington Police Department is an extraordinary agency filled with people who have dedicated their careers to serving the Queen City.”

Burke said it will be hard to leave South Burlington.

“It has been both an honor and privilege to serve South Burlington,” Burke said. “I am incredibly proud of the work our team has accomplished in advancing 21st Century Policing practices and leadership development.

Baker said the City will conduct a national search for Burke’s permanent replacement.

Deputy Chief Sean Briscoe will serve as Acting Police Chief starting March 21. Briscoe joined the City in September 2023 with 27 years of experience in progressively responsible leadership positions with the City of Saratoga Springs, NY Police.

During his time in Saratoga Springs, Briscoe focused on community outreach and was a founding member of the Saratoga Coalition to End Homelessness.