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Forest Lake council appoints Captain Luke Hanegraaf as police chief, effective April 3
Summary
The Forest Lake City Council voted to appoint Captain Luke Hanegraaf as the city’s next police chief, following unanimous recommendations from two interview panels; his swearing‑in is scheduled for April 3, with a council recognition April 13.
The Forest Lake City Council voted to appoint Captain Luke Hanegraaf as the city’s next police chief, effective April 3, 2026.
Staff told the council that Chief Rick Peterson announced his retirement effective April 3 and that an internal recruitment produced a single qualified applicant, Captain Hanegraaf. Two interview panels—one including Wyoming Police Chief Neil Bauer, Dr. Linda Madsen and others, and another made up of the personnel committee and Fire Chief Al Newman—interviewed Hanegraaf and gave unanimous recommendations to appoint him.
"If approved, Captain Hanegraaf is anticipated to be sworn in on April 3rd, 2026," staff said. The personnel committee recommended establishing his compensation at grade 150, step four of the city's adopted compensation plan. The council moved, seconded and approved the appointment on a voice vote.
Hanegraaf, who served with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and has more than two decades of law‑enforcement experience, thanked the council during brief remarks, saying he appreciates the support. The council also authorized staff to open an internal recruitment to fill the resulting captain vacancy ahead of the April 3 start date.
The appointment decision follows the council’s earlier public acknowledgment of Chief Peterson’s long service to the city. The council will formally recognize Hanegraaf at its April 13 meeting.
