by TaLeiza Calloway – news@thenewsleaders.com
Aug. 22 is the last day Pete Jansky will serve as police chief in the City of St. Joseph.
Jansky, 55, announced his retirement Jan. 17 during a city council meeting. Elected officials thanked him for his years of service.
“We accept your resignation with regret,” St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz said.
Jansky wanted to inform council members early so planning can begin to find his replacement. Elected officials will determine the hiring process in the future.
His last day of patrol is one day before his 56th birthday.
“I plan to wake up retired,” he said with a smile.
Jansky’s 34-year career in law enforcement started June 15, 1979. He worked as a patrol officer in St. Joseph from 1981-87 and has been the city’s police chief since 2001. He also previously served as police chief in Albany and Lakefield.
Why retire now?
“There comes a time when you just know it’s time,” Jansky said. “It seems surreal.”
He looks forward to trying something different – maybe a second career, he said. He doesn’t know what that is just yet but is eager to find out. More importantly, he said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
He and his wife, Peggy, have two daughters – Jennifer and Robin – and a son Casey. Casey is a police officer in Avon, Robin works in law enforcement for Sherburne County and Jennifer is a school counselor in southern Minnesota. He and Peggy have eight grandchildren – four boys and four girls.
