Politics & Government

Retiring Police Chief Gets Key to City, Fond Farewell

Apple Valley Police Capt. Jon Rechtzigel will become the interim police chief after current Chief Scott Johnson's last day on Friday.

Warm wishes for retiring Chief Scott Johnson filled the city council chambers on Thursday, as city staff, the council and members bid Johnson farewell on his second-to-last day on the job.

Apple Valley Police Capt. Jon Rechtzigel will act as interim chief while the city determines when and how to open the position for a permanent chief; this could be a few months down the road, councilwoman Ruth Grendahl said at Thursday's meeting.

Johnson was awarded a key to the city on Thursday, as well as a commemorative apple.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"You've been a marvelous police chief," City Administrator Tom Lawell said. "Citizens of this community so greatly respect you."

Johnson has been Apple Valley's police chief since 2001, and has a 31-year law enforcement history, all within Dakota County, Lawell said.

Find out what's happening in Apple Valley-Rosemountwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We did make a great decision" in hiring Johnson, Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland said. "You're even more than I imagined."

Johnson on Thursday also accepted an eagle award on his department's behalf from the Riders.

The award was meant to honor the department for assisting with fundraiser rides, most recently one that , said Mark Ceminsky, the director and commander of the Post 1776 riders.


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