Patrick Burke

Patrick Burke currently serves as the executive director of the DC Police Foundation after finishing a term as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and serving 27 years with the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

Patrick Burke

The Honorable Patrick A. Burke was nominated by President Barack Obama on February 4th, 2016 and confirmed by the Senate on May 25th, 2016 to become the 42nd United States Marshal for the District of Columbia. During the President’s nomination remarks he praised Burke’s “stellar track record” in public safety. President Obama credited Patrick Burke with helping coordinate security for major events as the Metropolitan Police Department’s principal coordinator and incident commander for a Papal Visit, G-20 Summit, Nuclear Security Summit and for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.


Prior to joining the United States Marshals Service, Patrick Burke received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and holds a Certificate in Public Management from the George Washington University, as well as two Master’s degrees: one from Johns Hopkins University in management; the other, from the Naval Post Graduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security in executive Homeland Security Studies. Patrick Burke completed intense executive training at the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) in Boston, MA. He also clinched complex counter-terrorism training in Israel and is a distinguished graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. Patrick has taught at both the graduate at undergraduate level at the George Washington University, College of Professional Studies.


Patrick Burke was recognized by the Center for Homeland Defense and Security when presented with its Straub Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when presented with its Award for Public Service. He received MPD’s Achievement Award for Meritorious Service, Lifesaving Medals and the Police Medal. Patrick Burke also is the recipient of the prestigious Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Award for Distinguished D.C. Government Employees for his excellence in public leadership. Patrick lives in Washington DC with his wife and four children, where he serves on several boards and is heavily involved with youth intervention and coaching.