By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—Warren Burger’s philosophy on giving back is simple: “When the community takes ownership, you will never fail.… If you do things because they’re right, you’ll be successful.” As Burger approaches his 80th birthday he continues to take ownership, do the right thing, and successfully give back to his community.
Born in Hagersville and raised in Hamilton, Warren Burger returned in June 1966 to join the Hagersville Police Department. In 1971 at age 28, he became possibly the youngest police chief in Canada at the time. In 1974 Burger joined the newly formed Haldimand Norfolk Regional Police as Sergeant and by 1998 had become Acting Chief of Police.
HAGERSVILLE/CAYUGA—Warren Burger has made his mark on Haldimand County over the years. This was recognized in 2019 as Hagersville Chamber announced him as the Citizen of the Year; he is shown above left (second from right) accepting his award alongside his wife Marlene from Rob Phillips, Chamber President, and then-Mayor Ken Hewitt.
During his time in policing, Burger played a key role as an advisor to the Six Nations Police Service. Chief of Police for Six Nations, Darren Montour, says, “Warren was always there to lend support and guidance to the Six Nations Police Service. He and Chief Lickers worked many years as colleagues, enhancing both of our police services to serve our communities better.”
Montour recalls Burger’s interest in talking with rank-and-file officers every time he visited the Six Nations Police and adds, “He continues to be an advocate for professionalism in policing for all of our communities. Once a cop, always a cop!”
Burger is also well-known for his volunteer efforts, including for Community Living Haldimand. In this photo, Burger (centre) accepts a cheque in support of the construction of CLH’s Jennie Deagle Building in Cayuga in 1989.
When Burger was not in uniform, he was advocating for many community organizations.
Over the years Burger has been an active volunteer, board/committee member, motivational speaker, humourist, auctioneer, and more for various charitable organizations. This included helping Community Living Haldimand (CLH) expand over the years by promoting their programs and fundraising.
CLH CEO Bob Butella explains, “Burger was first drawn to helping CLH when he was a member of the Fisherville Lions Club. Jennie Deagle, principal founder and first Executive Director of Community Living Haldimand, made presentations to the Fisherville Lions. Warren was immediately struck by her tenacity and passion for the work.”
Inspired by Deagle and the cause, Burger helped CLH achieve significant milestones. Butella recounts that in 1988, CLH asked Burger to lead a capital campaign to build the Jennie Deagle Building in Cayuga. Over the following three years, a committee led by Burger secured $675,000 in cash and in-kind donations, opening the building in 1992.
“With Warren’s help, CLH raised more than $15,000 for the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund at their 2022 Golf tournament fundraiser,” adds Butella, noting that this past year, the Mayor’s Gala donated almost $40,000 to CLH in honour of Burger.
Here, Burger (far right) is shown accepting funds for the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund in 2022. —submitted photos
Butella says since 1972, Burger has given CLH more than 10,000 hours of his time, made 1,500 speaking engagements, and helped to raise an estimated $2 million. Butella underscores Burger’s modesty, noting that he always puts the credit on the people, businesses, and clubs he got on board, telling Butella, “I just helped to motivate them to help.”
Burger used the same approach to make a difference in the agricultural community. As volunteer chair from 1994 to 1996, Burger assembled over a thousand volunteers when Haldimand Norfolk hosted the International Plowing Match in 1996. Despite the weather and with 35,000 attendees over six days, IPM 1996 was a success.
Rob Phillips, President and Treasurer of the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce, highlights Burger’s success with the IPM: “With all bills paid and no debt to the taxpayers, over $36,000 was eventually dispersed to the three hospitals, the three local plowmen associations, and Camp Trillium (Waterford) within Haldimand Norfolk.”
When the Caledonia Rotary Club presented Burger with The Paul Harris Award, Pat Kiely described Burger as “a man who brought a steel fist wrapped in a velvet glove to the job of policing.” Kiely also noted that Burger’s successful career in policing was matched in equal measure to his community work.
The community is invited to celebrate Burger’s 80th birthday celebration. Organizers insist that your presence will be Warren’s present! The party will be at the Hagersville Legion on February 15 from 4-8 p.m. It will be an opportunity to show Burger how much his giving back is appreciated.
