Jake Burke, a longtime law enforcement officer who recently served as investigations captain, has been promoted to deputy chief, the Eugene Police Department announced this week.

Eugene police Chief Chris Skinner appointed Burke, 51, to the role, replacing Shawn Adams, who retired in December.

man in uniform
Jake Burke has been appointed deputy chief of the Eugene Police Department by Chief Chris Skinner. Credit: Courtesy / Eugene Police Department

State records show Burke was hired in April 2024 by the Eugene Police Department as a captain after serving for about 14 months as deputy chief of the Salem Police Department, where he worked for more than 25 years.

Burke, a native of Eugene, is a graduate of Thurston High School in Springfield and Western Oregon State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“Deputy Chief Burke is an experienced and respected leader. His background uniquely qualifies him to immediately step into the role of deputy chief and provide value to the Eugene Police Department in service to our community,” Skinner said in a statement. “Jake is a relational leader and I’m excited about what we are able to accomplish together.“

Burke began his career as a reserve police officer with the Monmouth Police Department from 1995 to 1998, then joined the Salem Police Department as a full-time officer.

In Salem, Burke held a wide range of assignments, including 16 years in the Investigations Division. He received multiple recognitions during his time in Salem, including Officer of the Year and Detective of the Year, as well as the department’s Distinguished Service award.

As investigations captain in Eugene, Burke oversaw the department’s Violent Crimes Unit and Property Crimes Unit, as well as several others. As deputy police chief in Eugene, Burke earns an annual salary of $213,075.