St. Louis Park Says Goodbye to Two Longtime Public Servants

The St. Louis Park City Council recognized former Police Chief John Luse and Deputy Chief Kirk DiLorenzo on their respective retirements at a city council meeting last month. Officials and residents thanked them for their more than 70 combined years of service to the department and St. Louis Park community.

Jodi Johnston-Benifield, the St. Louis Park resident known for making the "Thank You SLP Police Department" lawn signs, made Luse a personal retirement gift: A large sign reading "Thank You Chief Luse," with the American flag as the background.

Luse began serving the department since 1977. He official began his retirement on 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.”

Luse was hired as a police officer in 1977, promoted to sergeant in 1991 and then to police chief in 1997. As sergeant, Luse led the project team in designing the current St. Louis Park police station, built in 1993.

Over the years, 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, according to a news release.

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

Also retiring is 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.

During the hiring process for a new police chief, Lt. Chad Kraayenbrink is serving as interim police chief. City officials say a new police chief will be in place by late February or early March.

Image via St. Louis Park