​Eagan Names FBI Quantico Graduate As Next Police Chief

EAGAN, MN — The Eagan City Council Tuesday night named Deputy Chief Roger New successor to Chief Jim McDonald when he retires at the end of next month.

"Roger New is the right man at the right time to serve as Chief of Police," Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire said in a statement.

"By working his way up, Roger has a wealth of experience, is familiar with all levels of the Department, and brings more than 12 years of management to the job."

New, 47, holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Starting in 1994 as an Eagan police officer, New rose to the rank of patrol sergeant in 2004 and two years later was promoted to lieutenant.

He was appointed deputy chief in 2016. He will now lead Eagan’s 89-person department with 73 sworn officers.

"I look forward to serving the Eagan community as its next Chief," New said. "I am most grateful to the Eagan City Council and Administrator Dave Osberg for their confidence in me."

"I’ve been blessed to work alongside a great mentor in Chief McDonald and I am humbled to lead the men and women of the Eagan Police Department going forward," he added.

The City Council approved New’s promotion unanimously.

New was the only candidate interviewed, based on the recommendation of Eagan's Human Resources Committee. The committee concluded there was no need to go to the additional time and expense of hiring a search firm as long as New passed the required background check, psychological exam and interviewed well.

New is a 17-year resident of Eagan. He coaches youth sports and serves on several school advisory panels. He is married with two children.

New will begin his duties July 1.

Image via City of Eagan