Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak says he is one of two finalists to be Chief of Police in his hometown of Duluth, Minnesota.

The chief released this statement:

''It is with bittersweet emotion that I inform the community and members of the Police Department that I am one of two finalists for the position of Duluth, MN Police Chief.

I was born in Duluth as the ninth child in the Maruska family. During that time, my mother was diagnosed with terminal leukemia and knew it would be too difficult for my father to raise eight children along with a newborn. Thus, their good friends, the Kozaks, adopted me and moved from Duluth. A short time later, my father sustained a traumatic brain injury, causing my eight siblings to be sent to various foster homes.

Recently, I have reconnected with my brothers and sisters, who all live in Duluth. Thus, I am excited about this possibility to return to Duluth so our entire family can once again be united, while I continue to do the job I love.

There have been 48 Cheyenne police chiefs since 1867, and I am the 5th longest serving chief with over six years of service. We have developed the agency into one of the finest in the Nation and will soon be moving into a state of the art facility designed to address the needs of public safety well into the future. I have reservations about the possibility of leaving Cheyenne because I enjoy this community.

However, I must also examine this exciting opportunity.

I will have another round of interviews with the Duluth Mayor and community near the end of April to determine if we are the right fit for each other. You should take pride in the fact that Duluth selected me as a finalist because they are impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of the Cheyenne Police Department.

I will keep you apprised of any updates."
Brian Kozak
Chief of Police
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