Being a police officer is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced.
After more than three decades of wearing a law enforcement uniform, the time has come for me to retire. I came to Flagstaff as a Northern Arizona University student and decided I never wanted to leave this beautiful place.
Upon graduation, I served in the Army Reserve and then began my career with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. After learning the ropes for a few years, I decided I looked better in blue than brown, so I applied to and was hired by the City of Flagstaff.
Being a police officer is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. The excitement of reporting for a patrol shift, not knowing what adventure awaits you and your fellow officers, will be with me always. I have been honored to serve among heroes every day. Unfortunately, I have also seen some of the worst humanity has to offer, but the tragedies are far outshined by the many positive experiences.
I have had many great leaders help me throughout my career and a wonderful family supporting me as I lived out my dream. I have enjoyed an outstanding profession, watching people I hired and mentored turn into leaders and mentors themselves. I now end my law enforcement career with many more friends than when I started.
The city has allowed me to provide for my family and given us a safe place to live. The Flagstaff community has always been welcoming, rich in diversity, focused on education, with no lack of outdoor adventures.
Throughout my career, I tried my best to improve the quality of life for all our community members by coaching and volunteering when and where I could. I had the honor of finishing my career as your Police Chief.
I have been able to work with many elected officials, business leaders and city commissions. I have been humbled by serving on many non-profit boards, trying to help our most vulnerable. My wife, Kim, and I served as the Northern Arizona United Way Campaign chairs this year, which was a great honor.
During my tenure, we have been able to accomplish great things. We have made substantial investments in public safety that will continue to have positive future impacts. In partnership with our supportive community, we established a non-law enforcement response for crisis calls including the CARE Unit, built a local police academy and are working on getting crisis workers embedded in our dispatch center.
I announced my intention to retire over a year ago, so we could plan for a smooth transition for our new police chief. We have many projects in the works that will require continued leadership. I am happy to report that Chief Sean Connolly has hit the ground running and I believe our police family is in good hands. My plan is to remain in the community, do more cycling and dog walking, and continue a life of service in whatever the next adventure brings.
Thank you, Flagstaff, for the journey. FBN
By Dan Musselman
Dan Musselman retired as chief of the Flagstaff Police Department in June 2024.