Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News

Sioux Falls Police Leadership Changes Set

Kealey Bultena
/
SDPB
On October 19, 2015 Matt Burns becomes Chief of Police and Galen Smidt becomes Assistant Chief. Mayor Mike Huether appointed both.

Leadership in the Sioux Falls police department changes next month. The current assistant chief is taking over as chief, and the mayor has appointed a new second-in-command. Both men share a similar vision that emphasizes community.

The faces of top law enforcement in Sioux Falls are familiar, but their titles are changing – even to Mayor Mike Huether.

"But it is probably why it was such an emotional day when Galen – I’m sorry. I’ll call you Galen just for only the one time," Huether says. "But you’ve earned Captain, and you certainly have earned Assistant Chief, Galen."

Credit Kealey Bultena / SDPB
/
SDPB
Chief Doug Barthel retires in October 2015. He supports Captain Galen Smidt's appointment to Assistant Chief. Mayor Mike Huether introduces him.

The mayor is appointing Galen Smidt Assistant Chief of the Sioux Falls Police Department. Smidt is a 23-year veteran of the city’s force. He says he has a passion for community outreach.

“A couple weeks ago I had a couple officers stop at a Vietnamese celebration and engage them, and they wanted them to come back to their service the next Sunday,” Smidt says. “And who knows what I opened here, but I think it’s good. This weekend we’re doing a similar thing with the Congo community.”

Smidt says police have an opportunity to connect with people of diverse backgrounds. He says he’s proud of the relationships he’s helped build and that he sees law enforcement can do more.
he recognizes law enforcement organizations face challenges.

"One of our challenges moving forward is recruitment. You know, we have a lot of retirements coming up, and we have holes to fill. And there’s not as many people applying to be a police officer as there was 23 years ago, maybe because of what’s going on," Smidt says. "So it’s our job to get out there and spread the message that Sioux Falls is the place – not only to be a police officer but there’s a lot of job opportunities here in Sioux Falls. So I think that’s going to be one of our challenges going forward and how we can reach out a little bit more for that, and hopefully a year from now we can say, ‘Hey. We’re doing pretty good.’"

Credit Kealey Bultena / SDPB
/
SDPB
Capt. Galen Smidt hugs one of his sons while soon-to-be Chief Matt Burns congratulations Smidt's wife.

The assistant chief of police position opened because the current person is taking over as Chief of the Sioux Falls Police Department. This week city councilors approved the mayor’s choice for the job: Matt Burns.

Both Burns and Galen Smidt officially transition to their new positions on October 19th.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).