On Jan. 16 at 4 p.m., Tony Hefferin was formally sworn in as Burnet’s new police chief during a ceremony held at Burnet City Hall.
The city hall chambers were filled with community members, family, and friends, reflecting the significance of the moment for both the city and the man stepping into the role.
Officers and colleagues from the Burnet Police Department stood alongside friends from Hefferin’s previous department with the City of Bellaire, underscoring the professional respect and relationships he brings with him to Burnet.
The oath of office was administered by City Secretary Maria Gonzalez, officially marking the start of Hefferin’s service as chief.
Following the oath, David Vaughn, Burnet’s city manager, addressed those in attendance and spoke candidly about the city’s search for its next police chief.
“Tony Hefferin was the first and last person we interviewed,” Vaughn said. “Every candidate we spoke with after our interview with Tony was compared to him.”
Vaughn also took time to recognize the support behind the badge, specifically thanking Hefferin’s wife and family for their role in supporting a career defined by public service.
That recognition led into the most personal moment of the ceremony. The new chief’s wife, Charlene, stepped forward to pin the badge onto his uniform.
Directly after the badge was pinned, the couple shared a brief kiss before turning to face a room filled with applause from family, friends, colleagues and community members symbolically sealing the swearing-in.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere reflected both pride and confidence in the city’s choice.
Surrounded by loved ones and professional peers, Hefferin’s swearing- in marked not only a personal milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter for the Burnet Police Department, one grounded in experience, leadership and community trust.
