Burlington Mayor Extends Offer to Police Chief Finalist
The candidate now faces a mandatory background check and upcoming City Council confirmation hearing.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The City of Burlington has formally extended a job offer to a finalist for the position of police chief. The candidate must still complete a background check and a state-mandated polygraph test before the process can move forward.
Why it matters
The appointment will fill the permanent leadership role following the retirement of former Chief Jon Murad. Interim Chief Shawn Burke currently leads the department while the transition is finalized.
The City Council has set a confirmation hearing for November 9, 2026, to finalize the selection process. The candidate must pass a state-mandated polygraph test to move forward.
The players
Shawn Burke
He is currently serving as the Interim Chief of the Burlington Police Department.
Jon Murad
He previously served as the Chief of the Burlington Police Department before retiring.
The details
Following the selection, the candidate is scheduled to meet with City Council members in small groups ahead of the official confirmation hearing. The new chief is expected to take over the department immediately following the November 9 council meeting.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: The City Council is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing for the police chief candidate.
After November 9, 2026: The new permanent police chief is expected to officially begin their tenure.
Market Landscape
The city's search process adheres to the Vermont state-mandated police polygraph requirement as a necessary step for finalizing the hiring decision. This regulatory standard ensures all municipal law enforcement leadership appointments meet strict state-level oversight.
Residents can expect the transition to a new permanent chief to be finalized following the November 9 council meeting. The appointment will provide long-term leadership stability for the city's police force.
The takeaway
The city's hiring process remains in a transitional phase as it moves toward the formal council confirmation date. Residents should anticipate updates on the permanent leadership appointment following the November 9 meeting.
What happens next
The City Council will hold a formal confirmation hearing for the police chief candidate on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the municipal administration, visit the Burlington People section.
Live Poll
Should local residents have a say in the appointment of their city's police chief?
