A career in service, on and off the fireground
Chief Peter J. Burke, Jr. has served as Fire Chief of the Hyannis Fire Department since 2017, leading a full-service career department on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A career firefighter since 2002 and a Chief Officer since 2012, he brings more than two decades of fire service experience to this candidacy.
He is a Past President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts and the current International Director representing the New England Division. He serves on the IAFC Communications Committee and Technology Council, and co-coordinated the New England Division's inaugural Technology Symposium and Health and Wellness Symposium — events that have directly benefited fire service leaders across the region.
Chief Burke is also an Instructor and Coordinator at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and an Adjunct Instructor at Cape Cod Community College, reflecting an enduring commitment to developing the next generation of fire service professionals.
"Exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication to the community."
— Laura Cronin, Chair · Hyannis Fire District Board of Commissioners
Stronger together through alignment, advocacy, and innovation
The strength of the IAFC comes from its members — career and volunteer, serving rural, suburban, and urban communities. When our divisions, sections, committees, and state associations work together, we are more effective advocates, stronger leaders, and better able to support every member.
Strengthening Association Alignment
- Improve communication among the IAFC, divisions, sections, state associations, and our international partners.
- Create greater opportunities for collaboration and information sharing.
- Leverage existing events and programs to maximize member value.
Advancing Advocacy
- Strengthen relationships with government affairs partners.
- Improve coordination of legislative priorities across the fire service.
- Ensure the IAFC remains the leading voice on issues affecting our profession.
Driving Innovation
- Advance technology, communications, and data-driven decision making.
- Promote emerging technologies that improve firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.
- Ensure innovation remains accessible to departments of all sizes.
Supporting Safety, Health & Wellness
- Continue expanding behavioral health, wellness, and resilience initiatives.
- Promote best practices supporting firefighter health and safety.
Preparing the Next Generation
- Expand leadership development opportunities.
- Foster mentoring and succession planning.
- Fully engage the Company Officers Section to support emerging leaders.
Leadership in Action
From the fireground to the podium.
Service at the local, state, and national levels
Leadership Positions
- 2017–Fire ChiefHyannis Fire Department, Massachusetts
- BoardNew England Division Board of DirectorsInternational Director
- IAFCCommunications CommitteeMember
- IAFCTechnology CouncilMember
- FCAMFire Chiefs Association of MassachusettsPast President
Teaching & Education
- MFAInstructor & CoordinatorMassachusetts Firefighting Academy
- CCCCAdjunct InstructorCape Cod Community College
- M.S.Emergency ManagementMassachusetts Maritime Academy
- B.S.Fire ScienceProvidence College
- HarvardLeadership in Homeland SecurityHarvard Kennedy School — Executive Seminar
- CFOChief Fire Officer ProgramUniversity of Massachusetts Boston
- CertificateLocal Government LeadershipSuffolk University
Let's strengthen our profession — together
Listening to members. Supporting divisions and sections. Advancing the mission.
I will focus on listening to members, supporting our divisions and sections, and advancing the mission of the Association through collaboration, professionalism, and service.