Retiring Hastings Police Chief Dave Wilske officially retires today, handing over the reins to new Chief Kyle
Linscheid who takes over tomorrow, April 1st.
Wilske announced his retirement in September of 2025, and held the position of Chief since May of 2022, and served in the Hastings Police Department since 2017.
Chief Wilske said one of the highlights of his tenure as police chief in Hastings is the support for the department from many of the residents, and he and his officers didn’t feel some of the animosity towards police officers directed towards other departments.
“We’re so fortunate. I’ve talked to a lot of the chiefs around the metro area, and I know some other departments don’t feel like they have that support from their community. I feel like we have that support, I know we have that support. It just shows every week when people are bringing in gift cards, and cookies, and maybe the occasional donut which is fine, of course we are going to eat the donut! But we see it at our community events when people are continuously coming up, thanking us for what we are doing keeping the community safe, and that is really appreciated.”
Chief Wilske also said his retirement plans include traveling around the state, bicycling, and working part time on a golf course among spending time in the community and around family and friends. Chief Wilske said he wants to thank the community for being great to work with, and he hopes that support continues for Chief Linscheid.
“I just want to thank the community for everything they do for the police department, the support they’ve given the police department, and don’t ever stop doing that. We have Chief-Elect Kyle Linscheid starting here as the chief. I don’t want to say he has big shoes to fill but he has a lot to learn. Everyone that is new to a chief position has a lot to learn, so just help support him, help support the administration, support the police department the way you have in years past. That’s really what they need.”
Hear the full interview on Community In Depth on KDWA.