Hastings police chief announces retirement early next year

Emalyn Muzzy, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·1 min read

Dec. 8—Hastings Police Chief Bryan D. Schafer on Tuesday announced he will retire next year.

Schafer has served as a law officer for 39 years, most of those rising in the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department. He was appointed the Hastings police chief in 2013.

His retirement will be effective May 29.

"I took an oath to the community to be approachable, accountable, trustworthy, transparent and responsive to community concerns, while striving to build strong partnerships and improve the quality of life and safety of our residents. I have worked hard to do these things on a daily basis," Schafer said.

In his years as police chief, Schafer implemented body cameras, changed officer requirements to include a four-year degree and established online police reporting. Schafer also helped his staff get into the community by volunteering regularly and partnering with organizations such as the YMCA and the public schools.

"I'm confident I'm leaving HPD in a better place than I found it," Schafer said. "I couldn't be prouder of ... this organization."

Hastings officials will release more details on a replacement plan in the future.