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International Falls Police Chief Michael Kostrick to retire effective Jan. 4, 2026
Summary
Police Chief Michael Kostrick told the council he will retire effective Jan. 4, 2026; the council thanked him for nearly 20 years of service and voted to accept a letter classifying his departure as retirement rather than resignation, with at least one council member recording opposition to the amendment.
Police Chief Michael Kostrick told the International Falls City Council at its Nov. meeting that he will retire effective Jan. 4, 2026, and the council voted to accept his departure as a letter of retirement. Kostrick addressed the council and public, summarized his nearly 20 years in policing, and expressed gratitude for the department and community.
Kostrick said he had a hard time coming to the decision, called his departure “bittersweet,” and emphasized his pride in the police staff: "I'm not gonna be a cop anymore...what I'm leaving you all with is a police department that is better than it's ever been and not because of me. It's because of the guys who work every day." Council members thanked Kostrick for his service.
The council then considered a motion to formalize the departure as a letter of retirement rather than a resignation; a councilor moved the modification to the motion and it was seconded. The motion to accept the letter of retirement carried but the transcript records at least one member voting 'no' because of the amendment. The transcript does not provide a full roll-call of how each named councilor voted.
Councilors praised Kostrick’s professionalism and service. Kostrick said he appreciated the support and reiterated his confidence in the department's staff and the foundation they had built.
The council instructed staff to proceed with the personnel steps necessary to implement the retirement effective Jan. 4, 2026.
