The Nelson Police Board announced today that Chief Constable Paul Burkart will retire in the spring of 2021.
Burkart was appointed as chief of the Nelson Police Department on February 1, 2016, after previously serving for three years as Inspector and Deputy Chief.
“He has served with distinction with both the Nelson and Calgary police services for over 25 years,” a news release from the police board states.
“Chief Burkart has brought a number of initiatives to Nelson that have made our community and our policing better, including working closely with our vulnerable population and local non-profit agencies,” the new release says, adding that Burkart was also active in the Fentanyl Task Force and the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health program that provides mental health support to first responders.
He also served on several community service agency boards, taught the D.A.R.E. program in Nelson schools for over ten years, volunteered on the Nelson Youth Soccer board, and acted as a soccer coach for 12 years.
“Chief Burkart has worked hard to mentor and develop his team at the Nelson Police Department, and I know his legacy will continue to have a positive impact on our community for many years to come,” said Mayor John Dooley, chair of the Nelson Police Board.
“While we are sorry to see him leave, we are very happy for him and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
