THE PASSING OF THE TORCH – OUR TWO CHIEFS

“You can disagree…just don’t be disagreeable.” Sage words from our Chief of fourteen years, Robert Burby as he signed off and handed the reins to our new Police Chief, Joe Stanton. It was a festive occasion as coworkers, city officials and citizens gathered to honor the man who grabbed this city by the horns and immediately got to work bringing structure, civility, mutual respect, camaraderie, loyalty and excellence to his new home, Texas City, Texas.
Born in Louisiana and raised by a strict taskmaster, Robert Burby grew up big, and not just in stature. He grew to be big hearted with a – big smile, big ideas, big plans; and he made certain he fulfilled them. Coming from a military background and married to a Master Sargent, structure balanced by the ability to motivate and commiserate, he created a strong team of focused, well trained professionals who looked to him for guidance with loyalty born out of a respect for a leader who spoke his truth and lived it.
And so, on this day, the new Texas City Chief of Police, Joe Stanton, and many others impacted by working with and knowing Robert Burby, stood and spoke about the accomplishments, achievements, and lessons learned as a result of his vision and his ability to bring us together to accomplish more than we would have ever expected.
Fortunately, he had the opportunity to mentor a young man about to receive his masters degree from The University of Houston Clear Lake. That young man invited Chief Burby to his graduation and Chief Burby went. That was the beginning of friendship and mentorship that carried them through the entire fourteen years they worked together, building a bond of respect and trust and preparing that young man to step into the Chief’s role – not as another Chief Burby but his own man made wiser by having the time he had with his Chief.
We wish Chief Burby rest and relaxation before he tackles his role as head of the Texas Police Chief Association, where we are certain he will have equally as strong an impact on that organization. And we than k him, not only for his years of service but for leaving us with a Police Chief ready, and willing to take on the challenges that come with caring for our city and leading those who serve and protect us. God Bless You Chief Burby and God Bless YOU, Chief Stanton!