Burks, David N

From Lane Co Oregon

David N. Burks was elected Sheriff of the county in 1973. He resigned in May 1991 when he learned he had cancer. He died in August.

Burks began his law enforcement career in 1958 when he signed on with the Lane County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy, working his way up to a detective lieutenant from 1967 to 1973, when he ran for Sheriff. Burks won four straight elections.

He was picked by the state to serve on a number of committees including the Community Corrections Advisory Committee, State Organized Crime Commission, Board on Police Standards and Training, State Methadone Advisory Committee and the State Corrections Advisory Committee.

Burks was named Oregon Sheriff of the Year in 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1987 and was the recipient of numerous appreciation awards from state and local groups.