Tusken Defends Longtime Friend Stracek

Cloquet Police Chief was Placed on Administrative Leave Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken took to social media Saturday to defend his friend and former partner, Cloquet’s embattled Police Chief Steve Stracek.

The Cloquet City Council placed Stracek on paid administrative leave Thursday while the council investigates misconduct allegations made by the police union.

Tusken posted a message of support for Stracek on his official Facebook page Saturday morning, the text of which is posted below.

My friend, former partner and current Cloquet Police Chief Steve Stracek was placed on administrative leave by the Cloquet City Council on Thursday night so the City can conduct a personnel administrative investigation into allegations of misconduct filed by the Cloquet police officers union.

I have known Chief Stracek for 25 years and his character has been above reproach. He is a kind, caring, ethical and selfless cop, friend, father, husband and neighbor.

I know his passion for policing and tireless commitment to public safety. He knows and is guided by best practices and holds accountable both himself and those who work with him to high ethical and professional standards. Those of us who have worked with Steve regard him as the best of the best.

I also have tremendous respect for the process of conducting thorough, transparent and timely personnel administrative investigations completed in a fair and impartial manner. The community should eagerly await the outcome of this inquiry before passing judgment on a man revered over his lifetime for exemplifying good character.

Chief Stracek declined FOX 21’s request for an interview.