When Dennis Burns first joined the Palo Alto Police Department, President Ronald Reagan was still in his first term. Discontent was growing in the Soviet Union and Olivia Newton John’s “Physical” was topping Billboard music charts. Now, he’s decided to retire.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter,” Chief Burns said last week. “The organization is stable, and we have a capable, professional team in place. I am confident that we have the right personnel and organizational structure to ensure the Palo Alto Police Department will maintain its high standards and dedication to protecting the community.”
Burns joined the department in 1982 and assumed the Chief’s job in 2008. His impressive resume includes time at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.; the jobs of detective, crime prevention officer, and defensive tactics instructor; and a stint on the SWAT team. According to the city, he was also the incident commander following a plane crash and subsequent power outage in East Palo Alto. Throughout his career, he has been a stalwart champion of youth and mental health awareness issues as well.
Police Capt. Ron Watson will serve as interim chief during the city’s search for a permanent replacement. He too has been with the city for more than two decades.