New Police Chief Selected for Apple Valley

Acting Chief Jon Rechtzigel has been selected as the next permanent police chief for the city of Apple Valley, according to a Tuesday press release from the city.

Rechtzigel, who was selected from among 39 candidates, has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience in Apple Valley, starting with the city as a patrol officer in 1987, the release says.

Since then, he has served in positions including investigator/detective, sergeant, investigative sergeant and captain. He was appointed acting police chief in December following the retirement of Scott Johnson.

Rechtzigel has a bachelor's degree in organizational development and
communications from Concordia University and a Master’s degree in police leadership from the University of St. Thomas, the release says. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

"Chief Rechtzigel is a proven leader and is well-prepared to lead our Police Department," said City Administrator Tom Lawell in the release. “His familiarity with the community and the organization will serve him well in the years to come."

Finalists other than Rechtzigel included:

• Shaun LaDue, director of government programs compliance investigations at UnitedHealthcare and formerly chief of police at City of Owatonna

• Jeffrey McCormick, chief of police at City of Cannon Falls

• Eric Werner, police captain at City of Burnsville

• William Blair Anderson, chief deputy at Carver County Sheriff's Office, who withdrew prior to final selection

The Apple Valley City Council is expected to approve Rechtzigel’s
appointment at its July 26 .