The Duluth Police Department has made a change in one of its No. 2 spots, promoting Ann Clancey to deputy chief - the highest ranking a woman has held in the department’s 144-year history.
In her new position, Clancey will oversee the administrative and investigative aspects of the department. Robin Roeser, who has held the position for nearly four years, is back to lieutenant ranking.
Police Chief Gordon Ramsay confirmed the change in leadership, but said he could not comment specifically on the situation due to the nature of personnel laws. The change went into effect last week.
“They’re flip-flopping positions,” Ramsay said. “That’s all I can really say.”
Clancey and Roeser have both received numerous commendations and honors during their tenures with the Police Department. Neither has been subject to any disciplinary action or complaints, according to a review of personnel records.
Clancey started as an officer with the department in 1997. She was promoted to sergeant in 2009, where she was in charge of the department’s sex crimes unit.
Since 2012, she had served as a patrol shift lieutenant.
Ramsay said Clancey has assumed many leadership positions, serving on the Duluth Police Union executive board, and working closely with the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) on sexual assault investigations.
Ramsay acknowledged that Clancey’s ascendance to the department’s second-highest ranking is historically significant, but said that was not a factor in her promotion.
“She didn’t get the job because of her gender,” Ramsay said. “She got it because of her work ethic, knowledge, skills and abilities.
“She’s there because she’s going to be good,” Ramsay said.
Roeser, an 18-year veteran of the force, had served as deputy chief since July 2010, when Ramsay picked him to succeed retiring Deputy Chief John Beyer. Ramsay said Roeser will assume Clancey’s former duties as lieutenant.
The department’s other deputy chief, Mike Tusken, remains in charge of patrol operations.
