Metro Transit Police Chief Eddie Frizell has submitted his resignation, effective today. On April 27, the U.S. Senate confirmed Frizell to be the next United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota. The Metropolitan Council will launch a national search for his replacement.
"We extend our sincere congratulation to Chief Frizell on this new chapter of his career,” said Regional Administrator Mary Bogie. “We are sorry to see him leave, but he has earned this opportunity and I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Metro Transit General Manager Wes Kooistra noted that Frizell’s confirmation serves as recognition of the dedication the men and women of the MTPD have for the region’s riders.
“Chief Frizell consistently demonstrated his commitment to 21st Century Policing and to the safety of the people we serve during a most challenging time,” Kooistra said. “Under Chief Frizell’s leadership, the Metro Transit Police Department implemented body-worn cameras, established the Real Time Information Center, and expanded the nationally recognized Homeless Action Team.”
Richard Grates, who most recently served as the Captain of Metro Transit’s Patrol division, has been appointed as Interim Chief by Bogie. A second-generation police officer, Grates joined the Metro Transit Police Department in 2005 and has worked in patrol, light rail safety, and investigations. His vision of service is grounded in community policing rooted in his days in coordinating youth fishing community events and other efforts early in his law enforcement career.
During his tenure at Metro Transit Police, Grates has earned numerous recognitions for his dedication to duty. He was selected the Metro Transit Police Officer of the Year in 2008 and has earned seven Medals of Commendation, one Chief’s Award of Merit, and one St. Paul Police Chief’s Award of Excellence. Grates has completed the MN Chiefs Leadership Academy, the Leaders in Police Organizations program sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.
“I am pleased that Captain Grates has agreed to take on the role of interim Chief,” Bogie said. “Through his leadership, experience, training, and proven dedication to improving transit security, he is well prepared to lead the Metro Transit Police Department as we begin the search process to permanently fill this critical position.”
Met Council officials say the agency will launch a national search for the next Metro Transit Police Department Chief, focusing on candidates who will bring an innovative, people-centered approach to public safety, grounded in employee, customer, and community needs. Priorities for the next chief include recruiting and retaining personnel as transit service and transit ridership expand, as well as implementing the Metro Transit Safety & Security Action Plan, which the Metropolitan Council expects to adopt in summer 2022.