86R12458 BK-F
By: Smith H.R. No. 565
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, After more than three decades of exemplary service
in law enforcement, Jay Burch is retiring as chief of the Denison
Police Department at the end of February 2019; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burch holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal
Justice from Dallas Baptist University and a Master's degree in
Criminal Justice Administration from Sam Houston State University,
as well as certifications as a Master Peace Officer, a police
instructor, and a Certified Public Manager; he began his career as a
deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department in 1987 before
going on to spend 11 years on the force in DeSoto; and
WHEREAS, This respected leader has held police chief
positions for 18 years of his career, including tenures in
Gatesville from 2000 to 2004 and in Mount Pleasant from 2005 to
2011; under his direction, Mount Pleasant became one of the first
departments in the state to be credentialed by the Texas Police
Chiefs Association as part of its Best Practices Recognition
Program; and
WHEREAS, Chief Burch took the reins of the Denison Police
Department in December 2011, and his major accomplishments have
included overseeing the renovation of the police department and the
consolidation of police and fire dispatch into the police
headquarters; in 2018, he again had the honor of seeing his
department cited by the Best Practices Recognition Program, giving
him the distinction of being the only Texas police chief to guide
two agencies to that status; and
WHEREAS, In retirement, Chief Burch plans to continue
teaching, training, and working on organizational assessments
while also spending more time with his treasured family; and
WHEREAS, Greatly admired by his colleagues for his skilled
leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, Jay
Burch may indeed take great pride in all that he has done to protect
and serve his fellow Texans as he embarks on the next exciting
chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Denison Police Chief Jay Burch on his
retirement and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness and fulfillment; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Chief Burch as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.