Sean C. Morgan
Sweet Home Police Chief Bob Burford announced Monday his official retirement effective June 30, capping a 32-year career in Oregon law enforcement.
He tendered his resignation to City Manager Craig Martin on Jan. 7.
Burford began his service to the citizens of Sweet Home on Sept. 23, 1986 after working for five years with the Boardman Police Department.
Burford started as a patrol officer and became a detective. Later he became patrol division commander with the rank of sergeant. The city promoted him to chief in December 1994 after the resignation of Gary David.
“Chief Burford has been a tremendous asset to the City and served as Chief in an exemplary fashion,” Martin said. “His dedication and professionalism as chief for the city of Sweet Home for 19 years will be missed greatly.”
“It has been my absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Sweet Home police chief and to work with the dedicated men and women of the Sweet Home Police Department,” Burford said. “Our mission statement, ‘Integrity 24/7,’ is demonstrated every single day in the work performed by these people.
“I especially want to thank my staff for their quality work and support over the years. As an organization we have accomplished much, none of it possible without the team effort exemplified in their work and dedication to duty.
“I also greatly appreciate the support of the City Council, City Manager Martin and the other department heads. Their support is a key to the success of the Police Department and the services we provide the residents of our City.”
Burford’s decision to retire is primarily meant to allow more time for travel and leisure with his wife of 32 years, Cynde, a retired Sweet Home High School Spanish and science teacher.
Burford also wishes to dedicate more time to his role as president of the Sweet Home Community Foundation and its work in supporting charitable efforts within the Sweet Home area.
Burford’s last day of work is flexible to allow ample time for the city to recruit a new chief and get him or her on board and up to speed, Burford said.
“Hopefully that process can be accomplished in a shorter time, as the department’s labor contract expires on June 30; and the new chief should be involved in the negotiation process and final document. I am willing to move up my last working day accordingly.”
Burford technically retired in 2010 but continued working on a special contract allowed by state law for police chiefs.
He was asked to stay on to help complete employee bargaining, Burford said. Those were finished near the end of 2011, but then the city faced some severe budget issues and loss of personnel.
“It would have been crippling for me to leave when we were down that many people,” Burford said. Three officers had recently left for another department, and another position had been cut.
Replacement officers completed their training and began working solo in late 2012.