Stahnke is a nearly 30-year veteran of the department. He was hired as a community service officer in 1993 and later sworn in as a full-time police officer in 1995. Stahnke currently leads the professional standards division, is the deputy director of emergency management and serves as public information officer. Stahnke also launched the department’s first multicultural advisory committee in 2021.
“It is a great honor and a privilege to be the next police chief,” Stahnke said. “I have spent my entire law enforcement career in this police department, and I know we all share a passion for partnering with the community to keep Coon Rapids a safe and thriving city to live and work. I am committed to upholding our tradition of professionalism and appreciate the trust and support our citizens have in this department.”
Wise and Stahnke will work together to transition duties during the next few weeks. Chief Wise’s last day is June 30.
Chief Wise began his law enforcement career working briefly for the Robbinsdale Police Department before he was hired in his hometown of Coon Rapids in 1995. He remained in Coon Rapids for the duration of his career and has served as police chief since 2011.
“It has meant a lot to me to be able to do this job in my hometown, doing what I can to make a difference,” Wise said. “I'm truly blessed to work for the City of Coon Rapids. We've enjoyed tremendous support from the community. We also have the greatest staff ever from top to bottom; I take great pride in each one of our officers and support staff.”