Steamboat’s new police chief, Sherry Burlingame, was sworn in Monday from Judge Michael O’Hara of the 14th Judicial District. Her immediate family and members of local law enforcement and other officials were at the ceremony in City Council Chambers, while her parents and other members of her family watched via Zoom.
Chief Burlingame comes from Tempe, Arizona, where she served as Assistant Chief for the nearly 500-person Tempe Police Department. She has been on the job for one week. She is also looking forward to all of the outdoor opportunities Steamboat Springs has to offer.
CLICK HERE to watch a video of Monday’s swearing-in ceremony, which includes a speech from Chief Burlingame, plus introductions from City Manager Gary Suiter and City Council President Robin Crossan
“I am honored and proud to be selected to lead the men and women of the Steamboat Springs Police Department and to serve with the Steamboat Springs community,” said Burlingame. “Together, our police department and our community will work towards collaborative and creative solutions in our pursuit of excellence in service and public safety.”
From the City of Steamboat Springs:
Prior to the Tempe Police Department, Burlingame served in various command positions for the Mesa Police Department. Before her policing career, she was employed in the
private sector and served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Throughout her career, she has been active cross the community working with Hispanic and faith-based
communities, the NAACP, LGBTQ+, and several committees in leadership roles.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Dakota, Burlingame is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Policing (SMIP), and the Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI).
“I feel this community is a great fit for me and my family and I look forward to becoming part of the Steamboat Springs community,” continued Burlingame. “I have had the pleasure to meet many of our officers and professional staff in the police department and their dedication and commitment to serve this community is readily apparent. I am excited to advance our efforts to work with the community to improve public safety in the Yampa Valley.”
