The Burbank Noon Rotary Club was proud to present the Rex Andrews Police Scholarship to Burbank Police Detective Brian Lee, recognizing his commitment to professional excellence, education, and service to the community.
Club President Scott Rife presented the scholarship, and Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero introduced Detective Lee, highlighting a career marked by professionalism, leadership, and dedication. Chief Quintero noted that Detective Lee served as a field training officer, helping mentor and develop newly hired officers, before being assigned as a detective. He also serves on the department's Honor Guard and previously served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. Chief Quintero praised Detective Lee's commitment to lifelong learning, noting that he was the first person in his immediate family to pursue education beyond high school and has embraced education as a way to continually improve himself, his leadership, and his service to the community.
Former Burbank Police Chief and Burbank Noon Rotary member Scott LaChasse shared the remarkable story of Rex Andrews, Burbank's fourth Chief of Police. Andrews brought a distinguished background in law enforcement leadership, military service, and police reform to Burbank in 1953. Throughout his career, he championed the values of education, integrity, honesty, hard work, continuous improvement, and service excellence. The scholarship bearing his name continues his legacy of investing in the professional development of Burbank police officers.
In accepting the award, Detective Lee thanked the Burbank Noon Rotary Club, the Burbank Police Department leadership, and his family, especially his wife Sarah, for supporting the demands of both law enforcement and higher education. He reflected on the importance of continuing education in modern policing, noting that officers must continuously learn and adapt to an ever-changing society.