Crime & Safety

Police Athletic Trainer Inducted into Hall of Fame

Nancy Burke was inducted Saturday into the Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame.

The Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association (VATA) inducted Fairfax County Police Department athletic trainer Nancy Burke into its Hall of Fame Saturday during its annual meeting and symposium in Richmond.

Treating sprained ankles, separated shoulders and aching backs is common for Burke who has served a vital role in the department by keeping more than 1,300 Fairfax County officers in top shape, according to a recent FCPD news release.

“Obviously physical fitness is critical for those in public safety. Whether they are chasing a suspect in the dark or helping lift a person out of a wrecked car, it is a very physically demanding job,” Burke said. "It’s extremely rewarding to be able to help treat and educate officers on how to get healthy, stay healthy and get them back to duty after they’ve had an injury.”

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Burke started her career as an athletic trainer at a secondary school after graduating from James Madison University in 1973. She earned her master's degree at Eastern Kentucky University and continued her career in Fairfax County.

Burke's expertise in sports medicine has been nationally recognized as she served as the head athletic trainer for World Cup Sabre Fencing in 1992 and 1994, a site medical director for the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 and chaired the U.S. Lacrosse Association Safety Committee where her contributions resulted in the mandate of protective eyewear and new safety standards for goalkeepers’ helmets.

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VATA is an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of Virginians who are physically active and this is the third year for the Hall of Fame selection process.


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