NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Chief Brice Burlie commented on his hire at Tuesday's Hutchinson City Council meeeting.
"I'd like to first thank Interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements for giving me this opportunity to fill the role as the Chief of Police for the City of Hutchinson," Burlie said. "I understand the importance of having the right person in that position. Time will tell if I am that right person, but I will tell you that I am going to do everything in my power to try to make it the best agency that we can, with the thought in mind that we're here to serve the citizens of Hutchinson and that's who we answer to."
Burlie made it clear the process was rigorous to get to this point, and Clements didn't make any snap decisions.
"She was very diligent through the application process and put us all through the wringer pretty good," Burlie said. "I really appreciated that, because I felt that she was doing everything to make sure that the right candidate was selected for that job. I thought it was well done."
Burlie also thanked his family for allowing him to take on this opportunity.
"It's been challenging at times, but they've always stood in my corner," Burlie said. "I wouldn't be here today without them. I'd also like to thank all the officers on the department, all the employees for the Hutchinson Police Department. They've been nothing but supportive. The real reason that I wanted to take on this job was because of them. They have a real commitment to the city and making it the best city that it can be and the safest city that it can be. A lot of people got me here. This was not just me. It was so many other people. I just wanted to thank everybody that has anything to do with it. I'm looking forward to the challenge. I think we are going to do great things and I'm really looking forward to it."
Burlie has twenty-four years of experience, beginning as a recruit and working his way up through the ranks to Operations Captain prior to being named Interim Chief in June.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.