Embattled Lawrence police chief resigns in 'mutual decision'
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May 20, 2020
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Embattled Lawrence Police Chief Gregory Burns Jr. is stepping down from his position just months after the police union approved a vote of no confidence in him.
Burns' employment will officially end June 12 but Capt. Anthony Brixius, a nearly 17-year veteran of the department, will take over as interim chief immediately, city officials announced Monday.
The city will pay Burns a lump sum of $106,805, the equivalent of nine months’ pay, according to a separation agreement in Tuesday's City Commission meeting, The Lawrence Journal-World reported.
The agreement says the city and Burns "reached a mutual decision" for him to step down. In exchange for his payment and other benefits, Burns agreed to waive any claims he could have regarding his employment or its end.
In January, 92 of 100 members of the Lawrence Police Officers Association approved a no confidence vote against Burns but the union has never publicly said what prompted the vote.
Burns, 49, became chief on Oct. 2, 2017, coming to Lawrence from the Louisville, Kentucky, police department.
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