San Diego MTS Police Chief Burke dies

Bill Burke, chief of police for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), died yesterday of unknown causes, the agency announced. He was 68.

Burke began his career at MTS in 2001, and was prompted to director of security in 2004. He became the agency's first chief of police in 2011. Before joining MTS, Burke was chief of police for the Cook County Sheriff's Department in Chicago.

"Bill will be missed greatly at MTS," said Paul Jablonski, MTS’ chief executive officer. “He brought many innovations to MTS and helped our system become one of the safest in the nation. More than that, Bill was a gentleman who earned respect from every one of his colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”

Burke was responsible for introducing several improvements at MTS, including closed-circuit television at trolley stations, on-board cameras on trolleys and buses, and body cameras on code compliance inspectors.

He also developed a local "See Something, Say Something" campaign and promoted close working relationships with local law enforcement agencies and federal agencies, MTS officials said.

Burke is survived by his wife Janice, three children and five grandchildren.