Eagan swears in five police officers as Chief Roger Neu announces retirement

The Eagan City Council and Police Department on June 17 administered the oath of office to five newly appointed police officers and then accepted the retirement of Police Chief Roger Neu, who said his departure will take effect this fall.

The five officers — Wade Anderson, Quentin Hayes, Austin Ream, Ethan Schaeffer and Trevor Wellman — were introduced by Chief Neu and were ceremonially pinned by family members before reciting the oath, which includes support for the U.S. and Minnesota constitutions. Mayor (name not specified) and council members attended the presentation.

"I would like to say, thank you for giving us opportunity opportunity to introduce 5 of our newest police officers here at the city of Eagan," Chief Neu said before the swearing-in. He described the demands of policing and thanked the officers’ families for their support.

Shortly after the oath, Chief Neu announced his intent to retire "sometime this fall," saying serving Eagan for more than three decades had been an honor. "I work with some awesome people in public safety, and I have for the last 30 plus years here in the city of Eagan," Neu said. "I love this place, but I know it's time to start the next chapter of life."

Council members moved to accept Neu’s retirement/resignation and to authorize steps to replace him. The council approved the motion; the record shows the motion carried with the vote spoken as "aye" by members present and with Council Member Fields absent. No specific roll-call tally was given in the transcript.

The mayor and several council members thanked Neu for his service and noted he will remain in his role through the announced effective date to provide continuity and to participate in recognition events later this year.

The swearing-in and retirement announcement occurred during the recognitions and presentations portion of the meeting; the council then proceeded with the business agenda.