HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 7687City of Palo Alto (ID # 7687)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 1/23/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Retirement Resolution for Dennis Burns
Title: Adoption of a Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto
Expressing Appreciation to Dennis Burns Upon His Retirement
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Police
Due to this resolution being formally presented to Dennis Burns on January 25, 2017 at the
celebration of his retirement, it is placed on the Consent Calendar rather than under Special
Orders.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution Expressing Appreciation to Dennis Burns
9
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE
TO DENNIS BURNS UPON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Police Chief Dennis Burns has conscientiously and professionally served the City of Palo Alto
and the Community for 35 years. Chief Burns rose through the ranks of Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain,
Assistant Chief of Police and Police Chief. Throughout his career, Chief Burns has held various specialty
assignments, such as Patrol Watch Commander, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Member,
Investigations Sergeant, Personnel and Training Coordinator, and Field Training Officer (FTO) Sergeant. Chief
Burns was also appointed Interim Fire Chief while continuing to lead the Police Department serving as Public
Safety Director; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns has investigated and supervised several notable cases, such as the Liu, Galbraith,
and Niebauer homicides, the Romel Reid serial rapist case, and participated in the search for the suspect in the
homicide of East Palo Alto Police Officer Richard May; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns is an active member in various professional organizations, such as the FBI
National Academy Alumnae, California Police Chiefs’ Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, and
the Santa Clara County Police Chiefs’ Association. Chief Burns has participated in countless regional training
exercises, which include Urban Shield and Active Shooter; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns has received nearly 100 commendations from citizens and other agencies for his
professionalism in assisting with and responding to calls for service. Chief Burns has been the recipient of the
Department’s Outstanding Public Service Award and, in 2014, was selected for the “Outstanding
Professional/Business Person” Tall Tree Award; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns implemented the Department’s Community Advisory Group (CAG), which
included Human Relations Commission representatives. Chief Burns developed and implemented the Police
Department’s Employee Wellness Program and was instrumental in obtaining grant funding for the Mobile
Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) vehicle. Chief Burns has been a proponent of supporting mental health
concerns in the community and county. Chief Burns has collaborated with other County law enforcement and
fire departments in developing a multi-discipline active shooter incident protocol; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns was appointed Chief of Police in 2009 at a challenging point in time for the
department and led the department exceptionally, with quiet strength and kindness, earning the trust and respect
of our community and deepening the bonds between public safety and our community; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burns will be greatly missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto, hereby gratefully
records and extends its sincere appreciation and acknowledges the community’s appreciation to Police Chief
Dennis Burns for 35 years of faithful and excellent service rendered to the City.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: January 23, 2017
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_______________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney