After the surprise resignation of Big Lake Police Chief John Kaczmarek was announced on the BLPD Facebook page on Dec. 18, 2025, Captain Sam Olson was selected to become the Acting Police Chief.  

City Administrator Hanna Klimmek explained that because of the terms written into his contract, in the absence of an acting police chief, Olson would be named Acting Police Chief.  He will assume the role on Jan. 12, 2026, the day following Kaczmarek’s last day. 

Serving since 2003

A Big Lake High School grad, Olson was hired as an officer of the BLPD in 2003.  He briefly served as Acting Police Chief between January 2022 and September 2022, when Kaczmarek was hired to replace Chief Matt Hayden.   He was promoted to the rank of Captain in February 2023. 

Chief Kaczmarek

Though Kaczmarek did not refer to Olson in his resignation letter, he did write, “As I transition from this role to another role within a law enforcement agency, I do so with confidence in the department’s leadership and its commitment to serving the community with honor and respect.”  

Kaczmarek’s official last day will be Jan. 11, 2025.

Search for a new chief

The Big Lake City Council will formally begin discussions about hiring a replacement police chief at its next scheduled workshop on Wed., Jan. 21, 2026. Kaczmarek will not be in attendance.