Rosemount Police Chief Retiring Effective May 31

Rosemount Police Chief Gary Kalstabakken has notified the City that he will retire and begin work with a state agency next month.

Chief Kalstabakken will leave the Rosemount department effective May 31.  He will move to a position in the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

“It has been a wonderful, challenging, and rewarding experience to be a member of the Department for the last 14-plus years,” Chief Kalstabakken said.  “Although I still enjoy the work here, it is time for me to start the next chapter in my professional life.

“I am particularly proud of those members of the Police Department who I have worked with during my time with the Ciy,” the Chief said. 

Chief Kalstabakken was a lieutenant in the Richfield, Minn., police department when he was appointed by the Rosemount City Council to lead the City’s Police.  He began work in Rosemount in January 1998.

During his time directing the Department, the size of the force grew from 12 sworn Officers to 22 in keeping with the expanded population of the community and corresponding growth in calls for service.  The rate of reported crime fell during that period.

As part of his duties, Chief Kalstabakken wrote Rosemount’s emergency preparedness plan and headed the City’s response to major events such as a mercury contamination incident in 2004 and serious crimes.  He has worked with other City staff to support a group of community leaders that meets regularly on issues affecting young people. 

Chief Kalstabakken implemented a number of community education and outreach programs, including Coffee with a Cop, Public Safety in the Parks, Night to Unite, and the Rosemount Citizen Police Academy.  He served in 2003 as the interim executive director of the City’s staff when the position of City Administrator was open.

“On behalf of the City and the Council, we have told Chief Kalstabakken we were fortunate to have his leadership during a time of significant growth,” Mayor Bill Droste said.  “Thank you for your exemplary service and dedication to the citizens of Rosemount and to the Officers who take the oath to serve and protect our public.”

The City Council will discuss the process it will follow to select a new Police Chief during its work session on May 9.