After nearly three decades of dedicated service in law enforcement, Arkansas City Police Department Chief Eric Burr has announced his retirement, effective January 1, 2024.
“Chief Burr has been an integral part of the Arkansas City Police Department for 27 years, leaving an impact on both the department and the community it serves,” the ACPD stated in a press release Tuesday. “His journey began in 1993 when, while attending Cowley County Community College, he worked for the City of Arkansas City as an assistant code enforcement officer handling nuisance abatement.”
In January 1995, Burr commenced his law enforcement career in Anthony, Kansas, and later attended the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in January 1996, the police department said.
“Joining the ACPD as a patrol officer in June 1996, Burr dedicated his efforts to various roles, including serving as the D.A.R.E. Officer from 1998 to 2001, working with elementary and middle school students,” the news release said. “Chief Burr then transitioned directly into investigations and worked as a detective on major cases.
“He left investigations in 2004 when he was promoted to sergeant to the night shift patrol.”
In 2006, Burr was promoted to lieutenant, a position he held until 2014 when he took on the role of accreditation manager for CALEA.
In 2019 he was promoted to Support Services Captain. Two years later he became police chief.
“During my career, I most enjoyed teaching students in the classroom about making good decisions and staying safe by delivering the D.A.R.E. program,” Burr said. “The relationships I was able to build with students and staff had a positive effect on me. So much so that I recently went back to the classroom to teach one last time before retirement.
“The concepts taught in the D.A.R.E. program help students build a framework for avoiding dangerous situations in the future.”
While serving as chief, Burr founded the Suicide Prevention of Cowley County Coalition, where he built support and relationships with many community members.
“I have placed a real emphasis on prevention work with our youth, including mental health, through the Hope Squad program,” Burr said. “Mentorship is an important part of who I am. Being a Big Brother through the Bigs in Blue has been an incredible experience for the last six years as well.”
City Manager Randy Frazer commended Chief Burr for his dedication to the community and the department.
“Chief Eric Burr’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Arkansas City Police Department into the community-focused force it is today,” Frazer said. “His dedication, integrity, and commitment to excellence have set a high standard for law enforcement in our city.”
Effective January 1, 2024, Captain Jim Holloway, a law enforcement professional within the ACPD, will become Interim Police Chief.
“Captain Holloway is well-prepared to lead the department through this transition,” Frazer said. “His experience, dedication, and understanding of the community make him a natural choice for the interim role.”
In response to his appointment, Holloway conveyed his gratitude and commitment to the community, the police department said.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim Police Chief and build upon the legacy left by Chief Eric Burr,” Holloway said. “Together, with the dedicated men and women of the Arkansas City Police Department, we will continue our mission to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
The community is invited to attend Chief Burr’s final Coffee with A Cop on Dec. 29 from 8-10 a.m. at the Burford Theatre Arts, 118 S. Summit St.
“It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of Arkansas City,” Burr added. “I have worked with many great people in Arkansas City and Cowley County. I am also grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such dedicated and professional colleagues.
“As I retire, I carry with me the memories of the incredible journey we undertook together.”
