Summit police chief Steven Zagorski retires after 36 years; Chief Ryan Peters to take command

Police Chief Steven Zagorski, who announced he will retire after 36 years of service, addressed the Common Council and residents at the meeting with a brief farewell. Zagorski reflected on his career, thanked leadership, and said he was proud of the department and confident about the incoming leadership.

Mayor Elizabeth Fagan praised Zagorski's leadership, his mentorship of officers and his service to the community. She thanked him "for his patience and your guidance and for helping me understand the inner workings of public safety." Council members and residents also offered appreciation.

Chief Ryan Peters, who the mayor and council identified as incoming chief, told the council he intends to continue an outreach- and partnership-based approach with the mayor's homelessness task force and local service providers. Peters flagged two public-safety issues discussed later in the meeting: unattended property and temporary structures that can present safety and sanitation risks when used for habitation. He said the department will work with stakeholders to develop standard operating procedures governing outreach and enforcement.

Council and public reaction: Elected leaders thanked both Zagorski and Peters. The administration emphasized continuity in public-safety priorities and a commitment to training and collaboration with county, state and faith-based partners.

Operational note: Peters said the department will continue collaborating with the homelessness task force on alternatives to enforcement, and will develop guidance on how officers should handle camps, unattended property and responses involving mental health and substance-use crises.