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Longtime police officer Police John Laux was laid to rest Monday.

Laux was a career law enforcement officer serving nearly 40 years on the force. He started in the late 60s as a patrol officer after federal-mandated height minimums were dropped (Laux was just two inches short of the requirement) and worked his way into the role of Minneapolis Police Chief in 1989. 

He announced a “retirement” from the role in 1995 amidst mounting criticism and reports of officers idling on the job. But only a few months later, he was appointed executive director of the Minnesota Board of Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) before taking his last official role as Bloomington police chief in 2002. 

He passed away Saturday, Aug. 8, at the age of 85. Former MPR News Editor Euan Kerr joined Morning Edition with Cathy Wurzer to discuss Laux’s career.

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

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Former Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux passed away Saturday, Aug. 8, at the age of 85. 

Funeral services held for former Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux

Funeral services held for former Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux

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