After an extensive interview process, Commander Kyle Linscheid is recommended to be the next Hastings Chief of
Police. At the March 16, 2026, Hastings City Council meeting, City Administrator Dan Wietecha will recommend Commander Linscheid to succeed Police Chief Dave Wilske. Chief Wilske plans to retire at the end of March.
KDWA connected with Commander Kyle Linscheid for a glimpse into his history and how he came to serve the community of Hastings.
“I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. I have two brothers and a sister. We grew up right on the edge of the midway in Frogtown neighborhood in St. Paul. I spent most of my time as a kid biking around the neighborhood, playing basketball and baseball for school for a little while. At some point, I think it was around eighth grade, I got my first drum set, and that’s one of, really one of the only hobbies I have that I’m passionate about. I love playing the drums and getting together with people and making music kind of in that creative space; it’s a ton of fun for me. I went to Winona State for college. I graduated there in 2007, and then in August of 2008, I was hired by the Hastings Police Department, and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve had different assignments of school resource officer, patrol officer, drug task force, patrol sergeant, and then, most recently, for almost the last four years, I’ve been serving as the commander.”
Commander Linscheid shares how Chief Wilske influenced his life and career.
“I’ve learned a lot from Chief Wilske over the last several years that he’s been here, and some of it’s not always through verbalization from him, but observation. And I would say some of the key things that I’ve learned from him are the importance of patience when it comes to any particular problem or issue that might be before you and evaluating things from different angles and seeking others’ opinions. I’ve also noticed the positive impact. It’s having an open-door policy. It’s important for anybody in the department, regardless of rank, to be able to come to your door and ask questions, bounce ideas off of you, and get your input and provide input in some cases. And I would say one of the most important and beneficial things that he’s done is he’s been very good about making sure not only our staff are supported, but that they know that they’re supported. That’s the really important thing nowadays in policing.”
Being recommended for police chief, Linscheid explains what it means for him.
“I’ve been really humbled by the amount of support that I’ve received from the department and the community. I know I bring a good amount of experience, but I also know there’s a lot to learn. I’m excited to have been trusted to continue to build on the foundation that’s been laid before me, and it’s never really been about title or fanfare. I just want to do what’s best for the department in the community.”
Linscheid offers what kind of culture he envisions between the police department and the community.
“I fully intend to continue, especially through our community engagement officer, the community engagement that we’re doing, things like recreation arts and police Shop With The Hero and Coffee With A Cop, to name a few. I think those are really great opportunities for us to build those positive connections with the community. And I also think that in today’s day and age, with how rapidly things develop and information is shared, transparency and communication are going to be incredibly important moving forward. I don’t think that those are; I think it’s been quite some time since those have been even an option. We need to really make sure that we’re being transparent and communicating as much as we can. I know that there are times when people want to know more, but I think in that transparency, in the communication, we have to just maybe make sure that the expectations are clear of what we can and can’t share at certain times, but hopefully get to that point where the community trusts that we’re going to share what we can and what’s necessary, and typically, more information comes out later that will help fill some of those information gaps that people are looking for.”
“I would like to say thank you for all the support that I’ve received from the department and the community. I understand the weight that comes along with this position. My motivation for working and trying to do well is to honor my family, the department, and the people that we serve, and I’m really looking forward to all the challenges and the positive outcomes that we’re going to have in the future. I believe in teamwork and collaboration, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities that exist within the community to have those connections.”
To listen to the full broadcast, click the soundbite.