Mendota Heights Police Call Chief Resignation 'Bittersweet Farewell'

After 33 years in law enforcement, Mike Aschenbrener resigned as Mendota Heights chief of police this with the intent to retire, effective January 1, 2017. His last day in the office was Dec. 20.

Council members have already voted to make Capt. Kelly McCarthy the next permanent chief in Mendota Heights.

"While we all knew his retirement was imminent, it was still a surprise," Mendota Heights police wrote on Facebook. "We are very happy for him in his decision to pass on the reigns and enjoy this next stage of his life with his growing family."

"Leadership is a responsibility and the Chief shouldered his with kindness and integrity. His commitment to the citizens of Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale has allowed him to handle any crisis with dignity and grace. Chief Aschenbrener’s strength of character guided him to consistently take the high road on decisions and resolutions, no matter how difficult or unpopular they seemed. We are all better for having worked with him."

Not everyone was happy with how Aschenbrener's conduct as chief of police.

Mendota Heights residents, including the widow of an officer who was killed in the line of duty, began calling for Aschenbrener to be removed from his job in October. Demonstrators protested in fall near Mendota Heights City Hall in an effort to draw more attention to their cause.

“Everything that's been going on, it all started from Scott,” Michelle Patrick, the widow of Officer Scott Patrick, told FOX 9 in October. “I mean, that's my feelings, you know.”

Michelle Patrick reached a settlement last year with the city of Mendota Heights in a civil case that started when her late husband filed a lawsuit four months before he died. In the lawsuit, Scott claimed he became a victim of whistleblower harassment and workplace retaliation after he reported two fellow officers committing what he said was theft.

Image via City of Mendota Heights