NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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The Barrie Police Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Insp. Rob Burke to the position of deputy chief, effective Jan. 29, 2024.
Upon appointment, Insp. Burke will take over from retiring Deputy Chief Wyllie Allan.
Insp. Burke will be responsible for overseeing operations command, which includes front-line operations, operational support, investigative and executive services.
Since joining the Barrie Police Service in 1997, Insp. Burke has served in a variety of roles throughout the service, including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, tactical support, public order unit and communications. He was a founding member of the Chief’s Honour Guard.
In 2016, he was promoted to inspector, where he has overseen operational services and executive services.
Insp. Burke holds a bachelor of arts degree in commerce from the Royal Military College of Canada and spent seven years as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. In his time as an army logistics officer, he was posted across Ontario, as well as a deployment to Bosnia with the United Nations in 1994.
“On behalf of the Barrie Police Services Board, I congratulate Insp. Burke on his new position within the service,” said board chair Greg Ferguson. “His years of experience will provide a strong foundation as he takes on the role of deputy chief. Insp. Burke has proven himself to be dedicated to our community and our members, and our board looks forward to continuing to work closely with him in the future.”
“The Barrie Police Service and our leadership team grew stronger today,” said Chief Rich Johnston. “Insp. Burke brings a work ethic that is second to none, and a sense of duty that is inspiring – making him an ideal choice for deputy chief. Insp. Burke has always focused on the well-being of the members under his direction and has always been their biggest supporter. I look forward to working alongside him, as his leadership will undoubtedly help to move the Barrie Police Service forward.”
“I would like to thank the Barrie Police Services Board for the opportunity to assume the deputy chief role,” said Insp. Burke. “Barrie is my hometown and I am immensely proud of the role that our members and community partners have in ensuring Barrie is a safe place to live, work and play. Working with Chief Johnston throughout my entire career has been a privilege and I will build on that relationship to lead the Barrie Police Service into a strong future.”
A swearing-in ceremony for Insp. Burke will be held on Friday, Jan. 26.
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