After more than 30 years in a police uniform, it was time to retire. I came to Flagstaff as a student at Northern Arizona University and decided I never wanted to leave this beautiful place.

After graduation, I enlisted in the Army Reserves and then began my career as a detention officer with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. After a few years of learning the ropes, I decided blue looked better than brown, so I applied and was hired by the City of Flagstaff.

Being a police officer is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The excitement of coming on patrol and not knowing what adventures await me and my fellow officers is something that will stay with me forever. I am honored to work alongside heroes every day. Unfortunately, I have seen some of the worst that humanity is capable of, but the tragedies are far overshadowed by the many positive experiences.

I have had many great leaders help me throughout my career, and an amazing family supported me while I pursued my dreams. I have had the privilege of working in a great profession and have seen the people I hired and coached become leaders and mentors. I am now leaving my career as a police officer with more friends than I did when I started.

This city has given me a safe place to live and raise my family, and the Flagstaff community has always been welcoming, diverse, focused on education, and filled with outdoor adventures.

Throughout my career, I have done my best to improve the quality of life for all members of my community through leadership and volunteering whenever and wherever I could, and I am honored to end my term as Chief of Police.

I have had the privilege of working with many elected officials, business leaders and city council members. I have served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, working to help those who are most vulnerable. My wife, Kim, and I were honored to serve as campaign chairs for the Northern Arizona United Way this year.

We have made great strides during my tenure and have made significant investments in public safety that will continue to have a positive impact. We have partnered with supportive communities to establish non-law enforcement responses to emergency calls, including CARE Units, established a local police academy, and worked to staff our dispatch centers with crisis responders.

I announced my intention to retire over a year ago and have planned a smooth transition for a new police chief. We have many projects underway that require continued leadership. “Connolly hit the ground running and I believe our police family is in good hands. My plans are to stay in the community, do more cycling and dog walking, and continue a life of service, whatever the next adventure brings.”

Thanks for the trip, Flagstaff. FBN

Dan Musselman

Dan Musselman will retire as Flagstaff Police Chief in June 2024.