Police Chief

Macon Police Chief Thomas Michael "Mike" Burns is a Macon native. He joined the Macon Police Department (MPD) in December 1974, and was assigned to motorcycle patrol. Promoted to Sergeant in 1981, his varied police experience includes Internal Affairs and Traffic Fatality Investigator, and Crime Lab Director.

In 1984 Chief Burns was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 1999, to Captain. He also served as Acting Commander of the Patrol Division. His leadership skills earned him the rank of Major in 2002.

Earning both Associates and Bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice, Chief Burns is a graduate of Command College and the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Continuing his record of excellence, in 2004, he was recommended by former Police Chief Rodney Monroe to serve as Chief of Staff. Upon Chief Monroe’s relocation to Virginia, in 2005, Mayor C. Jack Ellis appointed Mike Burns Chief of Police.

During his tenure, Chief Burns has implemented policies and procedures that have strengthened MPD's relationship with the community and improved officer and department morale. Respected and popular within his ranks and throughout the community, he is known as a low-key and fair-minded leader.

An avid golfer, Chief Burns and his wife Bobbie have four children and ten grandchildren.