Meet Mike Ceynowa: Police Chief finalist holds meet and greet with community members.

DULUTH, MN -- Thursday night, Duluth’s Police Chief finalist, Mike Ceynowa, met community members at Myers-Wilkins Elementary.

“It’s humbling to be named as the finalist for the next chief release for Duluth. It’s an honor to have worked for for 24 years, almost 25 years now in a variety of roles,” said Ceynowa ahead of Thursday night’s meet and greet.

Ceynowa and Mayor Emily Larson said the event was a perfect opportunity to introduce the prospective chief to Duluth.

“Tonight was a chance for community members to have a one-on-one conversation and actually a nice group conversation about different issues that are important to them,” said Larson.

Larson provided some insight into why she selected Ceynowa.

“It was so much fun to hear Mike’s vision develop, especially throughout the interview process, what was important to him was his focus on supporting and retaining the medical staff we have,” she said.

Those in attendance asked Ceynowa questions about how he plans to run the city’s police department.

“I was curious to see what his thoughts were on the public health crisis of gun violence in America, and any ideas he had on how we can make Duluth a safer community,” said Kitty Hodem, a community member.

Ceynowa returned each question thoroughly.

“I’m hopeful that what we’re seeing right now is a blip. But as an agency will target those offenders strategically and surgically, using intelligent led policing,” he said.

The event left those who attended feeling confident about his leadership.

“He seemed very likable. He seemed very knowledgeable. He seemed like he really wanted to make the police department more accountable, more inclusive,” said Hodem.

Ceynowa will go before the city council on September 26th.

If approved, he’ll become Duluth’s new police chief.

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