Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz is retiring after more than three decades with the department, closing out a career city leaders say helped shape the culture of policing in Burnsville through both triumph and tragedy.
At a Burnsville City Council meeting Tuesday night, city officials, police officers, firefighters, family members and residents packed City Hall to celebrate Schwartz’s career and honor her leadership. The city also awarded her the Key to the City – Burnsville’s highest honor.
City Manager Gregg Lindberg praised Schwartz’s steady leadership and commitment to the community.
“Tanya has been the right leader at the right time,” he said. “She’s led with steadiness during challenges, heart during the most difficult of times, and most importantly, humanity in all she’s done.”
Schwartz joined the department in 1995 as a community service officer and rose through the ranks as an officer, sergeant and captain before becoming Burnsville’s first female police chief in 2019.
Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz said she and Schwartz began their public service careers in Burnsville at nearly the same time.
“As Chief Schwartz began her career as community service officer in 1995 I was sworn in as mayor, and that's where our paths crossed, and it has been an amazing journey to travel with you over the years.”
Kautz said Schwartz built a department culture rooted in care, wellness and humanity.
“Chief Schwartz has been instrumental in shaping a department culture that balances enforcement of law with care, dignity, and respect for every individual. Her leadership advanced a model of policing and values humanity at every turn.”
Kautz also reflected on Schwartz’s leadership following the Feb. 18, 2024 killings of Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, who were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call.
“In the face of profound loss, Chief Schwartz guided the department with steadiness and unwavering care for her officers, staff, and the families affected. Her actions during that time exemplified the highest standard of public service.”
In emotional remarks, Schwartz reflected on her 31 years with the department and thanked the community for supporting first responders and their families.
“It’s been an incredible honor to serve Burnsville Police Department and this community at every rank, from community service officer to chief.”
She also spoke directly about the loss of Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth.
“Losing them was heartbreaking for all of us. You took care of our fallen families, our department, me, the community, through unimaginable grief, and we have honored their selfless sacrifice, and their legacy will live on forever at the Burnsville Police Department.”
Schwartz thanked her family and colleagues for supporting her throughout her career and said she is proud of the department’s work expanding officer wellness and mental health initiatives.
“I’m really proud of all that we’ve accomplished together, all that we’ve done to amplify Burnsville Police Department’s culture of excellence.”
Deputy Chief Matt Smith, who will become Burnsville’s next police chief, said Schwartz’s leadership style centered on compassion and authenticity.
“She led with her heart, when she spoke to the community and to our personnel, she was genuine and cares so much, and you can hear that in everything that she says.”
Smith, who has worked in the department for 24 years, said Schwartz helped guide the department through some of its hardest moments.
“We’ve always said that we have a family culture. We ask applicants about how they’re going to contribute to our family culture, and I think the unfortunate events of February 18 have brought us even closer together.”
He said he hopes to continue the department’s emphasis on officer wellness and community care.
“I have been super proud of all the wellness initiatives that we’ve implemented over the last several years, and I’m really excited to bring that forward and continue doing the things that Chief Schwartz has really laid the groundwork for.”
Kautz said Schwartz’s legacy also includes mentoring women in law enforcement and helping pave the way for future female leaders in the department.
“She is not one to be in the front, and she just lets her people speak, and not only is she humble, she is a person of integrity and compassion.”
Schwartz retires at the end of May.
