Longtime BCSO detective capping colorful career

SANDPOINT — Bonner County Sheriff Det. Sgt. Howard Burke is putting the cap on a 30-year career guided by the principal of an open mind.

Burke insisted that his retirement sendoff be free of cake, public note or even the slightest hint of fanfare, but his colleagues insisted otherwise.

They praise Burke as a dogged investigator who possesses a Zen-like ability to see through hogwash and get to the truth of matters. Burke could also be the only law officer in the state who can rock a beret and not catch too much static.

Sheriff Daryl Wheeler has known Burke for about 12 1/2 years and recalls that his first impressions of him were an investigator who seemed to be unconventional, resourceful and even “a little odd.”

Burke’s stock in Wheeler’s book only climbed.

“He proved himself to be a competent investigator — one who was tenacious and totally committed to every case he worked on,” said Wheeler.

To celebrate his colorful career, colleagues filled an office hallway display case with memorabilia, accolades from outside law enforcement agencies that have leaned on his expertise and personal notes recounting how Burke helped them better understand their job or get through personal tragedies.

Fellow investigators marvel at Burke’s uncanny ability to get even the most hardened criminal suspects to lower their defenses and open up.

Detective Sgt. Gary Johnston said Burke managed to do just that in the case of Faron Lovelace, a white separatist who could casually commit unspeakable acts with no sign of remorse.

Lovelace was convicted of the 1995 kidnapping and murder of 24-year-old Jeremy Scott. Lovelace suspected Scott of being a government informant.

Johnston admits that he would have had trouble getting through to Lovelace. But Burke managed to get Lovelace to talk.

“It was truly a thing to watch,” said Johnston.

Johnston said Burke has a natural ability to communicate, can spot details that could go unnoticed by others and isn’t one to give up easily.

“He burrows in and stays with it,” said Johnston. “We’re definitely losing a lot of experience. He’s going to be missed.”

Burke is also regarded for his genuine compassion for others, including defendants, and his pledge to treat everybody the same regardless of their prestige in the community or lack thereof.

Prosecutor Louis Marshall thanked Burke for his years of service.

“During cold nights spent together out at death scenes, I was able to forge a close friendship with him. Howard is truly one of kind and he will be missed,” said Marshall.

Burke, 68, was born in Detroit and almost his entire career has been at the sheriff’s office, which makes him one the department’s longest-serving law officers.

“I had children and I wanted to make a difference in the community,” Burke said of what drew him to law enforcement. “I wanted to make sure Sandpoint stayed safe for my children.”

He began as a patrol deputy 1977, at a time when the department had no detective positions. His foray into detective work started in the 1980s, when former Sheriff Chip Roos asked him to bring order to a murder investigation which had fallen into disarray.

Burke is well known for cultivating a deeply spiritual side founded on faith and informed by fine art, music and philosophy.

Burke said he prefers to focus on the spiritual aspects of life rather than the physical ones.

“They say I’m different, but I get the job done,” he added.

Burke said he’s looking forward to retirement and has enjoyed good health throughout his life.

“I won’t miss having the phone ring at 2 a.m. and adrenaline hammering in your body,” he said.