Mayor announces finalist for police chief job: Mike Ceynowa

On Monday afternoon, Mayor Emily Larson announced the finalist for the police chief job in Duluth.

Deputy Chief Mike Ceynowa is the proposed candidate for the city council to consider at their meeting on September 26th.

“I’m humbled and honored,” he said during a press event on Monday. “I’m looking forward to leading in this next chapter.”

Deputy Chief Ceynowa says this is a challenging time for our agency. Ceynowa said the first things he will work on is stabalizing the organization. “To continue to retain and hire high quality officers and candidates with a diverse background that truly represent our community, and all of its needs.”

Noah Schuchman, the Chief Administrative Officer for Duluth said there will be a meet and greet for Deputy Chief Ceynowa on Thursday, September 15 at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School at 1027 N 8th Avenue East in Duluth. The event is open to the public and will run from 5:30-7:00P.

According to a release from the City of Duluth, the search for a new Chief of Police included both internal and external candidates, review panels of City staff, select City Councilors, Duluth community members, and gathered feedback from two public input sessions this summer.

Ceynowa has been with the Duluth Police Department for 24 years. According to the release, he has served as the department’s professional standards lieutenant – that focuses on the department’s internal workings, including internal affairs investigations and reporting, technology initiatives, recruiting, hiring, and training.

The nomination for Chief will be on the City Council agenda on Monday, September 26.

The current interim chief is Laura Marquardt, who took over that position in late July.

Chief Mike Tusken retired in August.