St. Louis Park Police Chief John Luse To Retire

St. Louis Park Police Chief John Luse, who has served with the department since 1977, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2016.

"Chief Luse’s leadership and service has been a gift to the community, to the police department and to me," said Tom Harmening, city manager, in a statement.

"The community-oriented policing model he championed almost 20 years ago has had a profound impact on the St. Louis Park Police Department and on the community."

As sergeant, Luse led the project team in designing the current St. Louis Park police station, built in 1993.

Over the years, Chief Luse has implemented partnerships with businesses; provided support of youth in the parks, programs and schools through ChildrenFirst and the Meadowbrook Collaborative; and offered support of other community agencies and organizations such as Cornerstone, Wayside House, STEP and the St. Louis Park Rotary Club.

"I’m proud to say that I worked side-by-side with John, and he will be missed," said Harmening.

Also announcing his retirement was Deputy Chief Kirk DiLorenzo, who has been with the department since 1981, when he was hired as a police officer. He was promoted successively to sergeant, lieutenant and captain, and assumed the deputy chief role in 2006.

The city will be selecting an executive search firm to assist with hiring a new police chief, with both internal and external candidates considered. The new police chief will be in charge of filling the deputy chief position.

Image via City of St. Louis Park