Get to Know Chief Wills

About Our New Chief of Police

Dan was a police explorer and community service officer with the Maple Grove Police Department, and was hired as a police officer with them on August 17, 1998. During his tenure with the Maple Grove Police Department he served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Investigator, School Resource Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, and Emergency Response Unit (SWAT) Commander. He supervised the Police Explorer Program, North Metro Range, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, and Safe Streets Unit. Dan left the MGPD as the Patrol Division Captain, and was responsible for all operations with that division.

Picture of Chief Wills next to police car

Chief Wills has an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from North Hennepin Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management/Criminal Justice Administration from Metropolitan State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Management from Concordia University. He has attended several management and leadership development programs and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 262, and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He also spent 8 years in the United States Army Reserve. Chief Wills resides in Albertville with his wife Lindsey, and children Kylin (12), and Jace (10).

Q & A With Chief Wills

Question: Who is your inspiration in the criminal justice field?

Chief Wills: There is not a sole person who I would define as my inspiration in the field. Quite frankly, the front-line patrol officer is my inspiration. We ask our police officers to do very hard work in difficult circumstances, maintain peace and order, and subject themselves to scrutiny and second-guessing on a daily basis. I could not do my job effectively if we didn’t have great police officers in place who put our community first, and do what they can to ensure Rogers remains a great place to live, work and play. We are very fortunate to have a great community and City staff here in Rogers who support our police department.

Question: What is your favorite part about living in Minnesota?

Chief Wills: I really enjoy the change of seasons and sense of community. I admittedly am not a fan of winter, but really love the other three seasons. Additionally, there is something to be said about “Minnesota nice” and it really is known throughout the country that Minnesota is a welcoming state and that we take care of each other.

Question: If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Chief Wills: To play the guitar. I enjoy music and have a great deal of respect for people who can master instruments. It takes extreme focus, dedication, and a lot of coordination. Maybe someday.

Question: What’s on your bucket list this year?

Chief Wills: I don’t have one thing in particular for a bucket list this year. This has been a big year of transition for me and my family, so it’s just about slowing down, enjoying the little things, and spending time with friends and family.

Question: What is your vision for the Rogers Police Department?

Chief Wills: I am not one who tries to fix things that are not broken. It is quite clear that there has been a great foundation put in place for me to build upon at the Rogers Police Department. We have an excellent staff who are dedicated to our mission and believe in teamwork. My vision is help lead the Rogers Police Department through the years of upcoming City and police department growth, build upon community trust and partnerships, and providing our staff with the best training and equipment possible so they can do their jobs effectively.

August 15, 2019