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City council appoints Captain Luke Hanegraaff as Forest Lake police chief
Summary
The Forest Lake City Council approved the appointment of Captain Luke Hanegraaff as police chief effective April 3, 2026, after two interview panels and the personnel committee gave unanimous recommendations; council also authorized an internal recruitment to fill the resulting captain vacancy.
The Forest Lake City Council voted to appoint Captain Luke Hanegraaff as the city’s next police chief, effective April 3, 2026, following unanimous recommendations from two interview panels and the personnel committee.
Staff told the council that Chief Rick Petersen announced his retirement effective April 3, 2026, and that the city received a single qualified internal application from Captain Hanegraaff. Two interview panels — one that included outside chiefs and community members and a second consisting of the personnel committee and the fire chief — interviewed Hanegraaff and reported unanimous, strong support for his appointment.
The personnel committee recommended establishing Hanegraaff’s compensation at the applicable pay grade and step under the city’s compensation plan. The council moved, seconded and approved the appointment. Council also approved a separate motion directing staff to initiate an internal recruitment to fill the captain vacancy created by the appointment ahead of the April 3 swearing-in.
"I appreciate the support from the council for allowing us additional staff," Hanegraaff said, noting the department’s recent conditional offers and onboarding plans. The council did not record any opposition to the motion.
Next steps: Hanegraaff is anticipated to be sworn in on April 3, 2026, and then recognized at a council meeting on April 13, 2026. Staff will begin the internal recruitment process for the captain position immediately.
