Born and raised in Salem County, New Jersey, New Castle County Police Sergeant Michelle Burrus served in the United States Marine Corps from November 1998 until December 2002 at Camp Pendleton, California, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Michelle then attended Salem Community College and graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice.

In January 2009, while attending Wilmington University for her bachelor's degree, she was hired by the New Castle County Police Department. Upon graduation from the police academy, she was assigned to the Patrol Division. After serving in the Patrol Division for four years, she was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Unit where she investigated drug and vice crimes. In 2017, Michelle returned to the Patrol Division for approximately one and half years. In October of 2018, she was transferred back to the Criminal Investigative Unit where she investigated crimes against children, major crimes, and homicides.

In 2023, Michelle Burrus was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred back to the Patrol Division where she is currently a supervisor on B Squad.