New St. Paul police chief St. Thomas grad

Todd Axtell

St. Thomas graduate school alumus Todd Axtell has been appointed as St. Paul police chief.

St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman announced the appointment of the 26-year department veteran at a news conference in June and endorsed Axtell’s ability to lead the force in a video statement.

“(Axtell) has built incredible relationships in the community,” Coleman said. “He is a man of tremendous compassion, but also I have had a chance to personally observe him in command situations and there is no doubt that this is a person that can command the St. Paul Police department in the 21st century.”

Axtell earned his two-year law enforcement degree from Alexandria Technical College and later received a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Metro State University. After serving as an officer in Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes, Axtell earned a master’s degree in police leadership, administration and education from St. Thomas.