After a six-month national search that included focus group meetings, and a community candidate Meet and Greet, the city of Brooklyn Center announced last week that Kellace McDaniel has been selected as the new police chief.
McDaniel will take over for Interim Police Chief Tony Gruenig, who stepped in after former Chief of Police Tim Gannon resigned in April of 2021 following the community outcry over former police officer Kim Potter’s shooting of Daunte Wright.
McDaniel comes to the City with 25 years of law enforcement experience, having recently worked as a lieutenant overseeing Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Division where he supervised 57 deputies, according to the city’s press release.
During the interview portion of the May 16, Brooklyn Center Community Meet and Greet, McDaniel stressed the importance of community involvement. “Part of coming to this community, being a community engagement team advocate, is getting community policing and the community back together… It is very important.
“It’s part of the healing process and we are all trying to heal… It has been a tough three years for everyone.”
Under the direction of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, McDaniel was an original contributor to the success of the Community Engagement Team and received the Unit Citation Award from the FBI in San Diego, CA., for his role in building trusting relationships with the community and law enforcement agencies.
“I’m excited to introduce Kellace McDaniel to the Brooklyn Center community as he has our confidence and support in this important role,” said City Manager Dr. Reginald Edwards.
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the community members, stakeholders and staff who helped us reach this important decision for our community and all of the qualified candidates for their consideration.”
McDaniel has a bachelor of arts in criminal justice studies from St. Cloud State University and a minor in human relations. He attended Secret Service Dignitary School and is a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) LEEDA (208th) Supervisor Leadership Institute for Law Enforcement Executives.
His official first day working with the City of Brooklyn Center will be Monday, June 27.
Source: City of Brooklyn Center
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