Chief Burlingame began his police career in Troy in 1974, where he served until 1986, when he went to the Athens Police Department,then to Canton in 1996, returning to Troy in 1999. He became Chief in August 2012.
Prior to honoring Mr. Burlingame, Council held its regular meeting and rapidly went through its agenda.
Present were President Krystle Bristol, Councilors Jim Warn, Veronica Seymour, and Kyle Wisel, Mayor Mike Powers, Manager Dan Close, Police Chief Tony Morelli and Officer Mike Northup.
The minutes of the February meeting were approved and Council voted to pay bills totaling $8,994.26 and approved the payment of Highway bills of $1,371.52 and general fund bills of $66,853.03.
The highway bill was for rock salt.
Bills included $5,525 to Selective Insurance.
Mrs. Bristol gives a President's Report at each meeting but told the audience, "There's a first time for everything…I have nothing to report."
Chief Morelli submitted a written report to Council and the Insurance brokers report also was submitted in writing.
Mr. Close reported that Davis Vision has been adopted for vision insurance for the non-uniformed personnel.
The Borough continues to investigate the water leak at the south end of town.
Council voted to adopt the Bradford County Hazard Mitigation Plan. This will remove the need for the Borough to develop its own plan.
Mr. Close asked Council to approve a 5K race for the Historical Society, to raise funds for the Troy Sale Barn project.
Under the terms of the will of A. Eugene and Eleanor Krise Case, Borough Council is authorized to distribute funds from the Case Community Fund. The Committee recommended these grants from the fund: $2,460 to the Heritage Garden Club, for supplies for the planters on the light poles; $518 to the Thursday Study Club for the planters on the bridges; $984.97 to the Troy Chamber of Commerce for brackets and hardware for the Hometown Heroes banners; and $11,000 to the Troy Historical Society for siding for the Sale Barn.
Council adopted a Drought Contingency Plan (see separate article).
Council voted to hire Corey McLinko as a part-time police officer. He presently is an Officer in Towanda and his application already had been reviewed by Council. He was recommended by Chief Morelli.
After the conclusion of the meeting, Mrs. Bristol opened the floor to stories about Chief Burlingame.
Bradford County Sheriff C J Walters said, "Thanks for 42 years of service." He commented, "Things probably have changed a lot since you started" and said, "It has been a privilege and an honor working with you."
Canton Police Chief Doug Seeley said, "Thank you for all your good work you have done for law enforcement."
Canton Police Sergeant Trey Kurtz trained with Chief Burlingame, and remarked that he imagined that police work was "kicking in doors and high speed chases every night," but learned through Mr. Burlingame that the job is about "helping people in need." He said, "We see people in the worst moments of their lives." "Jarvis would use his strongest weapon - words" - to bring a situation under control. He would enter a chaotic scene and calm them down. He was a force to be reckoned with." Sgt. Kurtz recalled once when he was on duty in Canton and heard a call from the County dispatcher about some trouble in Troy. Sgt. Kurtz asked if he should go to Troy to assist, but "the dispatcher said, 'Trust me, Jarvis can handle it himself. He doesn't need any help'."
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The audience loudly applauded and Mrs. Bristol indicated she would understand "If nobody wants to go after that [tribute]," but several others spoke.
Cindy Johnson, who was a classmate of Mr. Burlingame at Troy High School, said it was hard for her to understand "how one of the quietest guys in the class became a police officer who can talk your leg off!" She said they were academic rivals in school and she wanted to be present to appreciate his service to the community and to wish him a great retirement.
Blanche Burlingame, his step-mother, said, "He is the nicest stepson I could have. He always ends his phone calls with "If you want anything, let me know - and he means it!."
Tom Carman said, "On behalf of Western Alliance, I wish you the best. All my guys and girls will miss your conversation. Everyone thought highly of you." As County Coroner, Mr. Carman said, "The Coroner's office also appreciates your service. Thank you." He added, "As a property owner, I appreciate you for patrolling in my neighborhood." He added that there were some occasions when Chief Burlingame contacted him over some potential issues involving his property. "I truly appreciate that," Mr. Carman said.
Kyle Wisel, a former police officer, noted that he worked with former or present officers Harry Corey, Donald Stringham and Chief Seeley, all of whom were present tonight, and said, "These gentlemen do appreciate Jarvis' experience, and I do too."
The audience applauded after each of the testimonials to Chief Burlingame, and then Mrs. Bristol called Chief Burlingame forward and read a Citation from Representative Matthew Baker, also signed by Speaker Mike Turzai, that "pays a respectful tribute to Chief Jarvis Burlingame upon his richly deserved retirement," and said he displayed "loyalty, commitment and professionalism in the performance of his duties…and served with consummate skill…serving as a role model."
Mrs. Bristol again called Mr. Burlingame forward and asked him to comment. He thanked, "the members of the Troy community for allowing me to serve for so long. Troy is a great community, and is a good place to live, work and raise a family. I'm glad you allowed me to be a part of that, and for that I thank you all very much."