Johnson County Sheriff SHERIFF DUANE BURGESS Sheriff Duane Burgess As many of you may know, I have worked very hard for the citizens of Johnson County throughout my time in public safety. I began my public safety adventure with the White River Fire Department as a Cadet. After I graduated from Center Grove High School, I became a Volunteer Firefighter and a First Responder for White River. During that time I watched that agency progress from volunteer to a paid standby system. I worked many hours and responded to a variety of emergencies from medical calls to fires. During this time in 1988, I also worked as a part time dispatcher for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. I guess you can say I just couldn’t get enough of the public service environment and helping people. I was present when the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office started the Explorer Program for kids fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) through Boy Scouts of America. As Johnson County began to grow rapidly in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was hired as a Corrections Officer for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. There were five (5) civilians hired to start this program which allowed Merit Deputies to work the road in the unincorporated areas of the county instead of covering the duties required in the jail. I worked diligently to learn my assigned job. Soon I was moved from the jail to the county courthouse. It was there that I provided security to the Johnson County Courts and Offices. During this time I also worked a Reserve Officer for the Sheriff’s Office. As I volunteered my time to work the road, I was able to learn the workings from another viewpoint at the Sheriff’s Office. When I moved to the City of Greenwood, I left the White River Fire Department to become a member of the Greenwood Fire Department. During my years of service with the Greenwood Fire Department, I became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I continued to work for the Greenwood Fire Department for several years. In 1992, I was hired as a Merit Deputy by Sheriff Doran Miller. This was a goal that I achieved through hard work and dedication. I attended the Indiana law Enforcement Academy in 1992, graduating in class 92-109. I held a part-time position as Chief of Police for the City of Southport, leaving in 2008. This position allowed me the opportunity to attend Chief’s School through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. This training taught me the skills I needed to run the department. As Police Chief, I managed the department’s budget, manpower, payroll, and officers. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has been the culmination of a very rewarding career. It has allowed me countless opportunities to serve the residents of Johnson County by working in many different areas of the agency. During my time with the Sheriff’s Office, I have served in the following roles: Road Enforcement: Patrol and enforcement duties, including being a Motorcycle Officer. D.A.R.E Officer: (Drug Abuse Resistance and Education): Working with the school-aged residents of the county. Investigations: Investigating property crimes, child abuse, sex crimes and narcotics. I was also assigned to the Safe Streets Task Force with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Patrol Supervisor: After twelve (12) years of unblemished service I returned to the Enforcement Division as a Sergeant. Explorer Program Post Advisor: Sheriff Terry McLaughlin requested that I take over the Explorer Program as the Post Advisor, which I gladly accepted and was proud to guide the youth in the program. Command Staff: In 2011, Sheriff Doug Cox promoted me to the rank of Major, as the Commander of the Jail Division. I am currently in that position, supervising fifty (50) Corrections Officer, Civil Process, Sheriff Sales and still mentoring the Explorers of Post 841. Graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy: Graduated from the FBINA class 266, attended the Academy from October 3rd to December 16th, 2016. I have been an avid member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association for several years and participating with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association youth Leadership Camp for the past twenty five (25) years. I will continue to be a part of the program for years to come. I also attended the Indiana Sheriff’s Association “Sheriff’s School” in 2010 and 2018. In addition, I have dedicated myself to numerous organizations within the community. My organizational memberships include: Master Mason – Union Village Lodge #545, Murat Shrine – Indianapolis, Johnson County Shrine Club (Past President 2012), Johnson County Mini Mystics, Murat Shrine Fireman’s Club, Murat Shrine Police Club, and Fraternal Order of Police – Johnson County Lodge #154. Throughout my years in the local public safety community, I have built strong relationships with the other agencies and offices in Johnson County’s towns, cities, schools, and fire departments. I am proud to say that we have the hardest working, most dedicated public safety officials in the state and I will continue to build those relationships. As you can see, my heart lies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the people of Johnson County. It is my desire to continue guiding the Sheriff’s Office in the right direction as your Johnson County Sheriff. I will continue to lead the best Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Indiana in serving the citizens we are sworn to protect. It is my promise that all members of the Sheriff’s Office will work tirelessly to ensure that Johnson County continues to be the best county in which to live, work, and raise our children. Duane and his wife Dee Ann IMPORTANT NUMBERS Dispatch Center: 317-346-6336 Administration: 317-736-9155 Administration Toll Free: 888-882-6919 Investigations: 317-346-4615 Crime Lab / Evidence: 317-346-4649 Jail Division: 317-346-4716 or 317-346-4717 Narcotic Tip line: 317-346-4654 Crime Tip line: 317-346-4654 Sheriff’s Sales: 317-346-4623 Training Division: 317-346-4628 COPYRIGHT 2021, JOHNSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE