Duluth Police Chief Finalists Chosen

Interim Chief Tusken and Cheyenne, Wyoming Chief Kozak up for top cop

The finalists for police chief for the city of Duluth have been narrowed down to interim chief Mike Tusken and Cheyenne, Wyoming chief of police Brian Kozak.

Members of the search panel said they’re looking for a chief that’s not only a good cop but also great with budgets and other roles the job requires.

The search panel described the process as great, but tough.

They want a chief that’s a good communicator and one who will work with the community.

“We want a chief that really had a lot of experience in collaborating with different organizations, reaching out to different organizations. Just all around, really good, strong candidates,” said Kristi Stokes, president of the Greater Downtown Council and a chief search panel member.

Tusken has already put in twenty-four years with the Duluth Police Department and is eager to do even more.

He feels the department is in a good spot and pointed to its 82% good and very good ratings.

“We can’t be shopped around, you can’t have a bad experience with Duluth PD and go to the next PD, so by virtue of us being a monopoly, we have to deliver the best services every single time without fail,” said Tusken.

Meanwhile Chief Kozak has thirty years of police eperience in Wyoming and Arizona.

Like Tusken, he’s also a Duluth native.

The two finalists will meet the public at a forum on April 18th at Lincoln Park school.

The mayor says she will make her recommendation for the job in the beginning of May.

The Duluth City Council will then need to approve her decision.