I was born in Oklahoma City, OK on June 3, 1969.  My family moved to Fort Worth, TX shortly thereafter.

I was raised in a Christian home with Christian values that were instilled in me at an early age.  I was blessed to be raised by a mother and father who taught me that Christ was so important in our lives and that HE had special plans for each of us.  These lessons would be special and I would find that they would hold true throughout my life.

I graduated from Everman High School in 1987.  I started to work and go to college part-time.

In 1990, I moved to Stephenville, TX to attend Tarleton State University.  There I met my wife, Trease Burke and we were married in 1995.  She has been my best friend and my rock for all of life’s ups and downs.  I wouldn’t be here without her.

I decided to enroll in Tarleton’s Police Academy in 1996.  I paid for the academy myself and was not sponsored by any agency.

In 1997, I began my Law Enforcement career with the Brownwood Police Department.  My plan was to get some experience and try to move back toward the metroplex where my family was.  Those plans changed however and we decided to “lay down” roots and make Brownwood/Brown County our home.

In 2001, we welcomed our son, Cameron, into the world and were greatly blessed with his arrival.

In 2002, we bought our house in Precinct #1 and truly felt like we were where we belonged and this was home.

In 2002, I had the opportunity to start working as the School Resource Officer for the Brownwood Police Department at the Brownwood High School.  I enjoyed being at the school and being around the students and staff.  I stayed in that role as SRO until 2010.

In 2010, I got the opportunity to go to work for the Brown County Water Improvement District-Lake Patrol.  I enjoyed working on the water and learning new things and seeing a different side of Law Enforcement.

In 2015, I had some serious medical issues develop.  We were left with many questions and not so many answers.  Our faith was tested once again.  We wondered how could this be GOD’S Plan.  Through lots of prayer and thoughts of many people, we were confident that HIS plan was right and we were right where we needed to be.  We believed that things were going to work out and be just fine.  We really were “walking by faith” which sort of became our family motto.

We also found a good church home at the First Methodist Church in Brownwood.

In 2016, I went to work at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Vance Hill.  I’ve always considered myself a “street cop,” and loved being back on the street protecting and serving the citizens of Brown County.

In 2022, we welcomed Kelsi to our family as she married Cameron.  We look forward to their future and the possibility of grandkids one day.

In 2022, I again got the opportunity to be a School Resource Officer for the Sheriff’s Office.  I was assigned to be at the 4 small, rural county school of May, Blanket, Brookesmith, and Zephyr.

This time in the school setting, I was blessed in being around the “littles” (Pre-K-6^th grade) at the schools.  It is such a joy to see their eyes light up and when they come up and give you the biggest hugs.  It makes the day worth it.

In late 2023, I was approached by someone about the possibility of running for the vacated Justice of the Peace, Precinct #1 position. That person told me that they believed that I would be a good fit in that office and position.  I very much respected this person and trusted what they had to say.  I had never really thought about being on the Judge’s side of the table.  I’ve testified many times in court and was always intrigued by the procedures and the steps taken in a courtroom setting.  I also had never really considered ever running for a “political” position.

Again, we started to pray for GOD’S direction as this door was starting to open.

During this time of decision, I had the opportunity to testify in the JP courtroom on a ticket that I had written.  Even though the JP court is less formal than District Court, there are still procedures and steps in the process.

After that court hearing, I reviewed in my own mind what the JP had done during the trial.  I told myself, “I could do this.”  We started to pray about this decision and I honestly believe that this is where GOD has led me to this point.

I started to research the Justice of the Peace duties.  I believe that I’m more than capable of doing this job to the best of my abilities.

The decision was made and we started the campaign process.  I’m excited about the process and learning new things.  I believe that if this position as the Justice of the Peace for Precinct #1 is part of GOD’s plan for me and my family, then things will work out as HE plans.

I believe that I possess the personality, characteristics, and experience to be an effective and full-time Justice of the Peace for Precinct #1 that the residents of Precinct #1 deserve.  Thank you for your time and consideration for your vote in the upcoming election.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

BrownwoodNews.com sent five questions via email to all of the candidates running for office in Brown County during the March 2024 Republican Primary. The following are the answers submitted by Scotty Burke:

How long have you been a part of the Brown County community? – To what extent have you been a part of the local government?

Scotty Burke has been a part of the Brown County community for 27 years. He has served as a Police Officer for the City of Brownwood for over 14 years, a Lake Patrol Officer for over five years, and a Brown County Sheriff’s Officer for over seven years.

What is your vision for the future of Brown County? – What changes would you advocate for and why?

By campaigning for the position of Justice of the Peace, Burke’s vision for the future of Brown County is to continue to rebuild and reuse abandoned portions of the city. “I like the fact that Brownwood/Brown County is still a ‘small, country town’,” said Burke. “But new growth and development would help bring a needed economic impact to the area.”

Regarding your prospective position, what do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?

Burke believes that his greatest strength is found within his extensive experience working in law enforcement. His 27 years of experience has shaped his ability to deal with stressful and complex situations and/or individuals. In addition to his professional experience, Burke also contends that his personal characteristics and beliefs make him a worthy candidate for Justice of the Peace. Considering weaknesses, Burke says that he has yet to actually do the job. “I’m familiar with the court setting and have testified as a witness many times,” said Burke. “However, I’ve never acted as a Judge.” Upon election, Burke hopes to take the knowledge and experience of the other judges as an example.

What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for?

The biggest challenge that comes with running for Justice of the Peace is the general political process, according to Burke. He says that the “paperwork” for such a process for any elected county position has been a challenge and something new to learn. It’s just a matter of taking the necessary time to make sure things are filled out properly and filed by the closing date.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career? – In your personal life?

Burke’s time serving as a school resource officer is the greatest accomplishment within his career. He has cherished the opportunity to interact with students and hopes to have impacted their lives as much as they have impacted his. He has particularly enjoyed getting to watch as former students have grown up and started families of their own. Within his personal life, Burke says that his relationship with Jesus Christ and his family has been the greatest accomplishment in that regard. Burke’s relationship with Christ has taught him many things, one being that everything is possible with Christ. This has also impacted Burke’s relationship with his family and has always sought to live both personally and professionally to a standard that would be pleasing to Christ and his family.