After about 10 retirements, Father Norman Burke volunteered as a chaplain for the Pine-Strawberry Fire Department (PSFD) in 2000. At 85 years young, he is still serving.
Fire Chief Gary Morris recognized Burke for his 20 years of service to the department at its annual banquet.
Burke was a parish priest for the Episcopal Church for most of his career. During the past 20 of an almost 60-year career, he has been available around the clock to the PSFD. Less preacher more minister, as chaplain, Burke focuses on helping those in traumatic moments.
Early in his priesthood, he volunteered as a firefighter and chaplain in Momce, Ill. In 1976, he moved to Phoenix to serve parishes in Sun City, ASU and other programs in the Phoenix area.
After retiring, he moved to Pine-Strawberry in 1996. In retirement, he served as a parish priest in Payson and in Winslow.