After nearly 37 years with the department and nearly 40 years in law enforcement, Galesburg Police Chief David Christensen will be officially retired Friday afternoon.
Christensen spent the past 13 years as chief. The Michigan native calls Galesburg home – he first moved to town in the early 1980s. He tells WGIL he has no plans on leaving town.
Christensen reflected on the changes in the GPD during his time: from using typewriters to now using computers and from the importance of fingerprints to now the importance of video footage.
The Chief said the in-car computer is just now as valuable as the squad car itself.
Christensen said that leaving the department is going to be bittersweet and was thankful for all the people he’s worked within the public safety building.
He added that he was glad to see Captain Russ Idle moving into the chief of police role – and the department is in “very good hands.”
There will be a public open house Friday from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Galesburg City Council Chambers to honor Chief Christensen.
