Burnsville City Council Honors Retiring Police Chief Tanya Schwartz With Key to the City After 31 Years of Service
Published: May 21, 2026
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA — The Burnsville City Council formally recognized retiring Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz during a council meeting Tuesday night, honoring her more than three decades of service to the community and presenting her with the Key to the City ahead of her retirement later this month.
City officials said the recognition was meant to acknowledge Schwartz’s “lasting impact” on the Burnsville community following a 31-year career with the Burnsville Police Department.
“Chief Schwartz was presented with the Key to the City in recognition of her lasting impact on our Burnsville community,” the city said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership, dedication, and commitment.”
Schwartz’s retirement was announced in March, with her last day expected at the end of May 2026.
Her career with the department began in 1995 when she joined as a Community Service Officer. Over the years, she steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming the department’s first female Sergeant, later serving as Captain, and ultimately being named Chief of Police in 2019. During her tenure as chief, Schwartz emphasized officer wellness, professional development, and strengthening relationships between the department and the community.
Burnsville City Manager Gregg Lindberg previously praised Schwartz’s leadership and the culture she helped build within the department.
“She has led with compassion, professionalism, honor, and care,” Lindberg said in an earlier statement. “Tanya has been the right leader at the right time, strengthening the culture of the department, championing staff well-being, and reinforcing Burnsville’s commitment to public safety.”
Throughout her tenure, Schwartz helped guide the department through routine public safety operations and more challenging periods affecting law enforcement and the broader community.
In announcing her retirement, Schwartz reflected on the relationships and experiences that shaped her career.
“Serving alongside the women and men of the Burnsville Police Department has been an extraordinary privilege,” Schwartz previously said. “I have witnessed their courage, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to this community.”
She described the department as a “second family” and said she remains proud of the work officers and staff continue to do every day.
“Together we weathered storms that tested us all, and through it, they showed remarkable strength, compassion, and resilience,” Schwartz said. “I am deeply proud of this department, and I know it will continue to rise to every challenge and serve with excellence in the years ahead.”
Written by: Will Wight
Photo Provided By: City of Burnsville.
