Apple Valley Selects New Police Chief

APPLE VALLEY, MN — The City of Apple Valley announced in a news release that it has selected Captain Nick Francis to be its new Police Chief.

He will succeed Chief Jon Rechtzigel who is retiring on March 31, according to the city.

Apple Valley City Council is expected to approve Francis' appointment at its March 24 meeting, the city said. If approved, he will begin the new position April 1, according to the news release.

Francis has over 20 years of experience in Apple Valley's police department, the city said. He began as a patrol officer in 2000 before getting promoted to sergeant in 2006 and to captain in 2015, according to the news release.

"Chief Francis is a proven leader and he is committed to keeping Apple Valley a safe
community," City Administrator Tom Lawell said. "His years of experience and dedication to
the profession of law enforcement have prepared him well to lead our Police Department
and serve our growing community."

Francis has a Bachelors Degree in law enforcement from Mankato State University and a Masters Degree in criminal justice leadership from Concordia University, the city said. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Leadership Academy, the city said.

Francis also holds an Emergency Management Certificate from the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, according to the city's news release.