SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- A long-time member of the Sioux Falls Police Department is retiring.
Assistant Chief Galen Smidt retires after 26 years on the force August 28, 2018.
The City says his position will be re-filled but it will be a career service position instead of an appointed position.
Read the City's news release below for more information about Smidt's distinguished career with the SFPD.
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota: After nearly 26 years of honorable service to the Sioux Falls Police Department, Assistant Chief Galen Smidt today announced his plans to retire from the department effective August 28, 2018.
Assistant Chief Smidt was confirmed as Assistant Chief on October 19, 2015, after serving in various roles throughout the ranks of the Police Department including Field Training Officer, Fraud Detective, Crisis Hostage Negotiator, Patrol Sergeant, Field Traffic Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Patrol Captain, Peer Support Team Leader, and Police Chaplain Lead. In September, Smidt will begin a new position as director, Department of Campus Safety for Augustana University.
“The people of Sioux Falls owe Galen a big thank-you for his years of dedication keeping our city safe,” said Police Chief Matt Burns. “Galen has played a vital role on the department’s leadership team and will leave big shoes to fill. I want to wish him well in his new public safety role and thank him for helping me lead the department these past few years.”
The department plans to fill the Assistant Chief role yet this year. Mayor Paul TenHaken has approved transitioning the position of Assistant Chief from appointive to civil service/midmanagement.