Burns Police Department welcomes back a familiar face

By Mindy McKerrall on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BURNS-The Burns Police Department is welcoming back a familiar face to its ranks. In an official ceremony today, Officer Jake Hatley was sworn in and took the oath of office, marking his official return to serving the Burns community.

Department leadership expressed strong enthusiasm for Hatley’s return, noting that his reinstatement aligns seamlessly with the agency’s core mission.

“At the Burns Police Department, we are dedicated to the values of honesty, integrity, compassion, and service,” the department said in a statement. “We are excited to have Officer Hatley rejoin our team and know he will continue to uphold these values while serving the Burns community.”

With his oath officially taken, Officer Hatley is set to return to active duty immediately, bringing his prior experience back to the local streets.

The department is inviting community members to share their support and extend a warm welcome as he steps back into his role.