John Burgess

John Burgess

Director of Safety and Security

Education:

South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy & FBI Hazardous Devices School.

Professional Experience:

Retired Deputy Sheriff and Public Safety Bomb Technician with over 25 years of service.

Why I do what I do...

The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is the number one priority. Spartanburg Day School will continue to be an elite school and we will never compromise on safety.

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I started my law enforcement career with Greenville County Department of Public Safety in 1998. In 2003 I joined the Spartanburg Police Department. I started on Uniform Patrol before transferring to the Criminal Investigation Division. I spent over 10 years as a criminal investigator. I received the Solicitor’s Award for Law Enforcement Excellence from the 7th Circuit Solicitor. I received recognition from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina for investigative work on the S.C. Upstate Financial Crimes Task Force. In March 2015 I joined the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. I was selected and became a Certified Public Safety Bomb Technician. I graduated from the FBI Hazardous Devices School in Huntsville, AL. I have extensive training conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA). In April 2019 I became the Recruiting Officer for the Sheriff’s Office and handled the hiring process for all new hires. In August 2022 I was selected to become the Crime Prevention Officer and Assistant Public Information Officer while still performing my Bomb Technician duties. I retired from the Sheriff's Office in December 2023.