Brian K. Burnett (born 1968) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer.
[1] Burnett served three terms as Chelan County sheriff before losing his reelection campaign in 2022.
[2] While serving as Chelan County Sheriff, Burnett was one of thirty-nine plaintiffs in a 2020 lawsuit against then-governor Jay Inslee, seeking to end the COVID-19 state of emergency, citing the need for local control and economic concerns.
Burnett, who noted that no SROs had expressed concerns about the mandate, argued it violated personal rights.
SROs were reassigned to patrol duties, with efforts to maintain a visible presence near schools.