Patrick Burke: Family, Community, and Safety

When officers have the support they need there is nothing they can’t achieve.

Our guest Patrick Burke currently serves as the executive director of the DC Police Foundation after finishing a term as the 42nd United States Marshal for the District of Columbia and serving 27 years with the DC Metropolitan Police Department. President Obama credited Patrick Burke with helping coordinate security for major events as the Metropolitan Police Department’s principal coordinator and incident commander for a Papal Visit, G-20 Summit, Nuclear Security Summit and for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. Prior to joining the United States Marshals Service, Patrick Burke received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and holds a Certificate in Public Management from the George Washington University, as well as two Master’s degrees: one from Johns Hopkins University in management; the other, from the Naval Post Graduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security in executive Homeland Security Studies. Patrick has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate level at the George Washington University, College of Professional Studies. Patrick Burke was recognized by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security when presented with its Straub Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when presented with its Award for Public Service. He received MPD’s Achievement Award for Meritorious Service, Lifesaving Medals and the Police Medal. Patrick Burke also is the recipient of the prestigious Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Award for Distinguished D.C. Government Employees for his excellence in public leadership. Patrick lives in Washington DC with his wife and four children, where he serves on several boards and is heavily involved with youth intervention and coaching.

 

“Policing. The way I look at it…it’s a profession where you’re actually paid to help people. When you think about that, isn’t that a wonderful thing?”

 – Patrick Burke

 

Listening to Patrick discuss his career and experiences reminds listeners that following your heart and dedicating your career to your community can lead you to amazing places. Enjoy!

 

“We are what we habitually do, therefore excellence is not an act, but a habit.”

– Aristotle

 

Resources

WASHINGTON DC POLICE FOUNDATION – Home

About MPD | joinmpd.dc.gov

USMS Home Page | United States Marshals Service (usmarshals.gov)

Major Event Security Cases | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

 

Our Host

I’m Thomas Canavan, the executive director of the National Law Enforcement Museum. There is nothing I respect more than people who dedicate their lives to helping others and the opportunity to sit across from these icons of the law enforcement community is one of the highlights of my career. Thanks for listening!

 

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