Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander Retires

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A little over two and a half decades ago Nick Alexander joined the Superior police department. It was his first job in police work. Since then Alexander has held just about every job that exists in the police department.

As friends and colleagues stopped for his retirement party Friday afternoon,  Alexander spoke about his roles in the department. ”I’ve occupied nearly every position within the department from being a rookie patrol officer to field training officer, narcotics investigator, patrol sergeant, computer crimes investigator, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Chief.”

Chief Alexander has hired quite a few officers, and he’s proud of the job they are doing for the department and the city.

“I have hired in my time here, I believe, 46 sworn officers, six civilian staff. That’s over 75% of the sworn staff on the department. I’ve selected or promoted five out of seven sergeants, all of the command staff, and all of the detective bureau,” Alexander said.

Alexander says his most fulfilling years on the force were as a patrol sergeant, wearing the uniform and developing great working relationships with other officers.

One case that stands out in his memory, happened on January 7th, 2006. It was the murder of Leah Gustafson, a 29-year-old Superior woman.

“It was just a night where tragedy happened. But myself and my co-workers really came together as a team and, and really did everything right that night to help Leah’s family find justice, you know, get the person who was responsible for murder, arrested and successfully prosecuted. So that’s always been a highlight,” said Alexander.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine shared his thoughts on the chief leaving.

“This is bittersweet. This is a big loss for the city of Superior,” said Paine. “Alexander is, and I mean this seriously, the best police chief in the United States of America. This is a true fact and I’m very confident saying that,” said Paine.

As he looks forward to life after the police department, Alexander says he will spend more time with his family and snowmobiling, as well as helping out at the bar he and his brother own just north of Duluth. But he has other plans as well. So, don’t be surprised if you see Nick Alexander out and about around town.