Sartell to Name New Police Chief Wednesday

(KNSI) — The Sartell City Council is expected to make its final decision for the next Chief of Police at Wednesday night’s meeting.

City officials tell KNSI News there were nine total candidates, all from outside the department and from a diverse representation locally, statewide, and out of state.

Brent Bukowski (above, left) grew up in central Minnesota and started his law enforcement career as a police officer in 1999 with the Sauk Rapids Police Department. He serves as an instructor in active threat integrated response training. Bukowski has a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with an emphasis in Emergency Management from Upper Iowa University and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Brandon Silgjord (above, right) currently heads 911 communications and emergency management operations for the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, where he has worked since 2009. He has been in law enforcement since 2006, serving with the Pequot Lakes Police Department and Morrison County Sheriff’s Office. Among his roles, he has been a patrol deputy, K9 handler, SWAT operator and field training officer. Silgjord holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Central Lakes College and a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Metropolitan State University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is also a 2019 National Command and Staff College graduate, earning a MAGNUS leadership award for Command and Staff Leadership Class.

Chief Jim Hughes is retiring after 32 years with the Sartell Police Department. His last day is March 31st. The city council is expected to approve of current Deputy Chief Wayne Schreiner to serve as interim chief.

The anticipated start date for the new chief is sometime in May.

The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m.

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