Funeral arrangements set for New Richland police chief

The southern Minnesota police chief who apparently took his own life earlier this week will be remembered Saturday.

Scott Eads, the chief of the New Richland Police Department in Waseca County, died Monday in rural Freeborn County, according to a news release from the Waseca County Sheriff's Office. The release said it was a suicide.

Eads' funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at New Richland High School.

Eads, 40, was married with two young children.

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The city is encouraging people to wear blue ribbons to remember Eads and show support for his family. New Richland is accepting donations for a fund for Eads' family, according to the city's Facebook page.

"Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers while they work through this difficult period," said Trevor Kanewischer, chief deputy of the Waseca County Sheriff's Office, in the news release.

"Chief Eads was a part of our law enforcement family here in Waseca County, so obviously this is shocking news for all involved."

The Waseca Daily News reported Tuesday the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Eads served in the New Richland department for nearly 16 years and was its chief for the last nine.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.