The Nelson Police Board announced today Chief Constable Paul Burkart provided his notice of retirement, effective spring of 2021. Burkart was appointed as Chief Constable 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.

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. He has also played a vital role in the development of the Fentanyl Task Force and the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health program that provides mental health support to first responders. Chief Burkart served on several community service agency boards and taught the D.A.R.E. program in Nelson schools for over ten years. He also volunteered a great deal of time with 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,” says 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.”

The Police Board is in the process of undertaking a formal recruitment process to find a suitable candidate for the Chief Constable position in Nelson.

Media Contact: 

Mayor John Dooley – Board Chair – mayordooley@nelson.ca