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Crime & Safety

Eagan Police Sgt. Honored for 29-Years of Service

Sgt. Tom Schoenecker is retiring after a lengthy career serving the people of Eagan.

Eagan Police Sergeant Tom Schoenecker was honored Tuesday night for his many years of service to the Eagan community as a member of the . Schoenecker is retiring from the police force after a 29-year career.

“It’s a privilege to acknowledge Tom Schoenecker for his twenty-nine years of service,” said Eagan Police Chief James McDonald during a presentation before the city council during their regularly scheduled meeting.

McDonald also thanked Schoenecker’s family “for the sacrifices that they make on behalf of the people that work for us.”

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McDonald said Schoenecker has always been committed to children and highlighted his history in supporting Eagan’s youth. Schoenecker was involved in a number of youth summits held in the city early in his career and also taught snowmobile safety. Schoenecker was also involved with the school patrol program, bus safety and was the city’s first D.A.R.E officer. McDonald credited Schoenecker for helping to bring the D.A.R.E. program to Minnesota approximately 20 years ago.

Schoenecker went on to serve as a long-time patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant and becoming involved in leading investigations.

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“Tom’s going out on his own terms, he’s a very humble man,” said McDonald. “He realizes that the car he drives and the home he lives in is all because of the people of Eagan.”

Schoenecker moved to Eagan with his parents in 1960 and graduated from Burnsville High School before joining the Eagan Police Department and raising his own family in Eagan schools. He said he remembers it being a small town of approximately 19,000.

“I’ve watched (Eagan) grow from very small to what we have today and I think that’s a credit to city council’s we’ve had in the past, and of course the city council that we have now,” said Schoenecker.

Schoenecker thanked the council for their support in making the department’s job easier and helping to keep the community safer.

“As far as my twenty-nine years, it’s been very quick,” joked Schoenecker. “I want to thank everyone in the city of Eagan for their support.”

After the ceremony, Schoenecker remained true to McDonald’s characterization of humbleness.

“My fondest memories really are just being able to help people out in crisis,” said Schoenecker. “Every cop says that they want to help people, but I think that truly.”

He reflected on past storms and other moments of crisis he has been involved in within the community but declined to single any incidents out.

Schoenecker said he’ll miss the camaraderie of his fellow officers.

“We’re all kind of one big group,” he said. “That’s probably one of the biggest things I’ll miss.”

Schoenecker said he plans to remain in Eagan and possibly work part-time pursuing other interests.

“I plan on living in Eagan forever,” he said. “It’s a great place to live and work.”

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