The City of Soldotna has announced that, after nine years leading the Soldotna Police Department, Police Chief Peter Mlynarik announced his resignation, in a Monday press release. The decision, Mlynarik writes, comes after much thought, prayer, and deliberation. He spent the last 31 and ½ years in law enforcement; 22 of those with the Alaska State Troopers.
Mlynarik tells KSRM that he’s not retiring, but seeking a new adventure in life:
“You know, I’ve been thinking about it for awhile. I have been in this field for a long time and just mainly wanted to try something different and do some different stuff. I’m not retiring, just going in a different direction. It’s been great working for the city of Soldotna and it’s been a really good place. No issues. That didn’t factor into it. It’s been something I’ve been considering for awhile. I just wanted to give the city at least a month. There’s a very capable, we have a lieutenant here and other officers, sergeants, that are very capable of taking that place in the transition. They’re being appointed until the city finds a new chief. We’re very fortunate to have very capable people here.”
City Manager Stephanie Queen thanked Chief Mlynarik for his service and congratulated him on his long and distinguished career of more than three decades in law enforcement. She wrote that he led the Soldotna Police Department with professionalism and integrity, and his contributions will have a lasting impact in the community.
Chief Mlynarik’s last day with the department will be January 7, 2022. The City plans to advertise the vacancy and initiate the recruitment process for Mlynarik’s replacement in the coming weeks.
