Duluth Police Chief Roger Waller issued the following statement on Wednesday regarding the retirement of three senior employees of the Duluth Police Department:
"As part of our obligation to serve citizens in the most efficient and effective way we can, we are undertaking a review process in our Special Investigations Unit. It is our desire to maintain the highest quality investigations unit that we can. I believe our citizens expect this.
"I wish to take this opportunity to set the record straight regarding media coverage of recent retirements of certain senior staff of the Duluth Police Department. I believe it is a disservice to these officers to connect their retirements with the ongoing process of department review within the department.
"I would like to thank Lieutenant Robert Brasel, Lieutenant John Hall and Sergeant Dennin Bauers for their service not only to the department but to the citizens of Duluth. Their trust has been well-placed in these men for many years.
"Bob Brasel has served the city of Duluth for 22 years, most recently as a division manager in our Investigative Division. He has also managed our Violent Crimes, Family Crimes and Crime Scene Units as well as our Police Records office.
ADVERTISEMENT
"John Hall has worked tirelessly for 33 years to fight crime in Duluth. Most recently he has served as a division manager in our Investigative Division but has also managed our Special Investigations Units and our Gang Strike Force and has 20 years of experience as a detective lieutenant. His skill and professionalism are admired by all who know and serve with him.
"Dennin Bauers has served for 23 years, most recently as a supervisor in our Special Investigations Unit, which is responsible for all drug investigations within the city. He and his officers were responsible for hundreds of search warrants and drug arrests and his investigative skills will be sorely missed within the department.
"Bob Brasel told me more than two months ago that he planned to retire, and John Hall did the same over a month ago. Both men planned to retire before approval of a new labor agreement that will change health care plan language for police officers.
"John told me two weeks ago and a third time last Friday about his plans. Before Monday's city council decision, he informed me in writing that he planned to retire at the end of the work day.
"Dennin Bauers also indicated to me about 10 days ago that he was considering retirement but I have not had the opportunity to speak with him personally about his decision since he announced it.
"After their long years of service, these officers are entitled, as all of us are, to determine when they wish to retire."
