City Subscriptions

Mayor Larson Appoints Tusken to be Duluth’s Next Police Chief

[Duluth, MN] – Mayor Emily Larson is appointing Mike Tusken to be Duluth’s next Police Chief. Tusken was selected as one of two final candidates in a month long hiring process that involved a community review panel, a community survey, meetings with the staff and the union, and a public community forum last week. Tusken is currently serving as interim Police Chief and previously served as Deputy Police Chief, Sergeant and Lieutenant. 

In her announcement, Mayor Larson stated “Mike truly exemplifies passionate public service, dedication to the shield and deep commitment to ensuring the safety of all neighbors and all neighborhoods. In addition, his sound judgement, grounded enthusiasm and proactive energy will be of considerable benefit to the cross-departmental thinking I ask all our Directors to bring to their role.”

Larson went on, “Thank you to community review panelists, City staff and the countless other community members who participated in the public aspects of this hiring process. You helped make this a very difficult decision for me. I’m ready to move forward with Mike as our Police Chief, and I know the community is, too.”

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to accept Mayor Larson's appointment to serve the city and department I love as our next chief of police,” said Mike Tusken.  

‘I humbly accept this appointment knowing it is a great responsibility with an equally great opportunity to serve my hometown as a tireless advocate for effective problem solving and a guardian against injustices of all kinds.

‘Together, we will rely upon collaborative relationships with stakeholders to help identify and solve community problems necessary to improving community quality of life. 

Tusken’s appointment will be presented to the Duluth City Council for approval at their May 9 meeting.

Mayor Larson plans to make a final decision on the Fire Chief appointment in the next week.

# # #