Public Safety and Emergency Management may serve the community in different ways, but both reflect the city’s deep commitment to protecting and preparing Burleson for whatever challenges may come. This quarter, we are recognizing two extraordinary individuals whose service exemplifies courage, dedication and selflessness. Please join us in honoring Detective Mark Pate and Emergency Operations Manager Joe Laster, our Employees of the Second Quarter for 2025.
Detective Mark Pate faithfully served the Burleson Police Department for 15 years in a number of key roles, including patrol, criminal investigations, SWAT medic and crash and shooting reconstructionist. In every assignment, he led with humility, professionalism, and a servant’s heart. Mark was nominated and selected not only for his years of dedicated service as a protector in our community, but also for his final act of service as an organ donor. As one nomination expressed, “In life, he was a protector of others and in death he continued to save the lives of others.” Detective Pate passed away on June 20, 2025, and it is with profound respect that we honor him and his family for the selflessness he demonstrated throughout his life and career.
Joe Laster has been with the city for two and a half years as Emergency Operations Manager within the Fire Department. Joe was nominated for his steadfast dedication to ensuring the city’s preparedness in times of crisis. He invests countless hours monitoring and activating warning systems, managing the Emergency Operations Center and remaining available well beyond regular working hours. Joe is also committed to building resilience in the community, leading training exercises, coordinating volunteers and developing innovative strategies with limited resources. His work reflects not only diligence and foresight, but also a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard Burleson’s residents.
Detective Pate and Joe were recognized at the August 18, 2025, city council meeting. The city’s Employee of the Quarter award is based on efficiency, transparency, honesty, innovation and customer service, the values at the core of the city’s ethics statement. Both honorees embody these principles, going above and beyond expectations, and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.