BCAT News

Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers, the Burlington Police Department officially promoted Captain Daniel Hanafin to the rank of Deputy Chief.

The appointment by the Select Board follows the retirement of Deputy Chief Robert Kirchner after 37 years of service.

Police Chief Thomas Browne presented Hanafin to the board and spoke about his extensive experience, leadership, and dedication to the community, calling him a strong choice for the role.

Hanafin is a Burlington High School graduate and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public affairs from Boston University. He has been with the Burlington Police Department since December 2005, serving as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and, beginning in 2021, operations captain. In that role, he has overseen patrol, traffic, detectives, as well as other specialized units.

“He has handled these duties with professionalism and has helped the department achieve more success because of his leadership,” Chief Browne said. “Through his career he has been successful at every level in each of his many disciplines.”

Hanafin has also served with NEMLEC SWAT since 2011 and has achieved the designation of team leader, and as the department’s lead firearms, use of force, and defensive tactics instructor.

In addition, he has played a key role in school safety initiatives, working closely with Burlington’s schools to support student and staff safety, and serves as the department’s peer support coordinator.

The promotion received strong support from the Select Board, whose members acknowledged Hanafin’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the police department and the town.

After the meeting, Deputy Chief Hanafin addressed a full crowd of his colleagues from the Burlington Police Department and the NEMLEC SWAT Team, his family, and friends.

“I appreciate your leadership, Chief Browne,” he said. “I promise all of you that I will do my best to strengthen that balance…I’m proud to be a part of this department and all of you.”

In his previous position, then Capt. Hanafin led the Department to successful resolutions in several major high-risk events as Incident Commander. He has played and instrumental role in budgeting operations, negotiating large capital budget expenditures and reducing departmental operating costs for essential policing materials and equipment while working with leadership to manage budget concerns and reduce costs.

In his previous role, Hanafin also served as an incident commander during several high-risk situations and has helped guide the department’s response to ongoing demonstrations in Burlington, developing crowd management strategies focused on de-escalation and maintaining public order.

You can view Deputy Chief Hanafin’s promotion appointment by clicking here.