Forty years of faithful service

The city of Nevada hosted a reception for Chief W. Graham Burnley to mark his 40 years in law enforcement and service to his fellow man.

Business, community, civic and government leaders, neighbors, friends, and family showed up over the course of the reception at the Healthy Nevada suite above the Nevada Public Library to thank Burnley for his efforts on their behalf and to show their appreciation for his dedication and untiring hard work.

Chief Burnley is a 40-year veteran of law enforcement, currently assigned as the Chief of Police for the city of Nevada, Mo. He joined the Nevada Police Department nearly four years ago after retiring from the Chesterfield, Mo., Police Department.

Chief Burnley began his police career in 1974 when he attended the Greater St. Louis Police Academy after his discharge from the U.S. Army, MP Corps. During his police career, Chief Burnley has held the rank of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He has commanded both patrol divisions as well as detectives. Additionally, Burnley served for many years with the St Louis County Code 1000 Committee, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and the Greater St. Louis -- Major Case Squad.

Burnley retired from the Chesterfield Police Department effective, Dec. 31, 2010, and immediately began his tenure as Nevada Police Chief on Jan. 1. One of his first official acts included the establishment of the Nevada/Vernon County Crises Intervention Team which partners Law Enforcement Officers with Mental Health workers along with consumers and their families.

He successfully managed two careers by simultaneously serving in the military reserve components for 28 years. In 2007, he retired from the Air National Guard as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the State of Missouri. His military service in both active duty and reserve components revolved around investigations, physical security and troop leadership. In 2005, Burnley served overseas on an active duty tour in the U.S. Air Force in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Burnley holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Management and a master's degree in Public Administration from Webster University. He is a graduate of the 145th Session of the FBI National Academy.

He and his wife Janet reside in Nevada and are the parents of three adult children and eight grandchildren.