The announcement came Tuesday just before city council members met to honor outgoing Chief Rick Dinse, who is planning to retire.

Burbank, 40, has worked 15 years in law enforcement all in Salt Lake City.

"Burbank and I have had an opportunity to work very closely together for over 6 years," said the mayor. "He's tremendously well respected by his fellow officers."

During his tenure with the department, Burbank has worked as a SWAT leader, a uniformed gang officer, a Pioneer Bicycle Squad Sergeant, Executive Officer to the Chief, Division Commander for Internal Affairs and most recently as Assistant Chief, where he has overseen the department's daily

operations, budget, internal affairs, training, dispatch, records and personnel.

During the 2002 Winter Olympics, Burbank served as the venue commander for the nine square blocks of downtown designated as Olympic Square. He was honored by the United States Secret Service for his outstanding cooperation in support of their mission during the Games.

Burbank said he was "somewhat surprised," by the pick but appreciates the mayor's vote of confidence. He followed that by offering his appreciation of the support he's received from the officers, too.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity," he said.