Chief Joel Scharf of the Big Lake Police Department recently announced that he will be resigning from his position effective May 27 due to health concerns. He has served as the department’s chief for just under nine years. It is clear to all who know him that he loves the Big Lake community, and the city has been made better by his service.

Reason for Leaving

Chief Scharf will be leaving the BLPD following a diagnosis of PTSD. As ssoon he was diagnosed in January, Deputy Chief Matt Hayen became the Acting Chief. 

“Unfortunately, this diagnosis will keep me from returning to my position indefinitely,” Scharf said in a letter to the city council. “Through this, I’ve learned new respect for the critical need to care for our police officers’ mental health. Please care for our officers and appreciate all that this profession is throwing at them in these times, because it is unprecedented.” 

Early Career

Scharf grew up on a small family farm in North Dakota. As a teenager, he became involved with a law enforcement explorer program and got the chance to ride along with some local officers, getting to know them and the job. Teen Scharf found the occupation exciting, and knew that he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.

He served as an officer in Grafton, ND, and then Valley City, ND. Later, he moved over to Minnesota, serving as a patrol lieutenant in Moorhead.

Service with Big Lake

Scharf was offered the role of police chief in Big Lake in 2012, and he started the position in August of that year. He said what he is most proud of during his time with the department is helping to create a phenomenal staff of officers to keep the community safe. He’s proud to have an active department, even as other departments east of Big Lake are having a difficult time.

“They’re the best of the best,” he said of his officers, “And they’re committed to the community.”

He’s also proud of the new tech that the department has implemented in recent years and the competitive compensation system the department has in place to attract, and retain, the best officers they can.

He attributed some of the success of his department to the good relationship the BLPD has with the Big Lake City Council, who are always eager to support the department. 

“Everything we’ve done has come with the support of the council, the administrator, and the community,” Scharf said.

Finally, Scharf wished to pay homage to the families and spouses of the officers, who give the men the support they need to do a difficult job. 

Life After the BLPD

After 30 years of serving in law enforcement, Chief Scharf said he’s not sure yet what he will do with his time after he leaves the department. He and his wife, Sarah, may take some more vacations going forward, but they plan to stay in the area. Scharf also said he hopes to continue to support the police department in other ways, perhaps as a volunteer.