Stanger Officially Appointed IGH’s Top Cop

Larry Stanger now is the official police chief for Inver Grove Heights.

After one question from Mayor George Tourville—”Are you ready to be police chief of Inver Grove Heights?”—and praise from city leaders, the City Council unanimously approved Stanger as the city’s new top cop at its Monday meeting.

Stanger, a member of Inver Grove’s police force since 1989, had been acting police chief since former chief .

By the way, Stanger told Tourville he was ready to become chief.

City Administrator Joe Lynch said Stanger performed well during his six-month term as acting chief, thus earning the veteran officer the position of the city’s permanent chief. Lynch based his assessment partially on reports from Stanger’s supervisory group and fellow officers.

“I am proud to make the recommendation to appoint Larry Stanger as our next police,” Lynch said to the council.

Tourville and other council members said they also received positive reports about Stanger’s ability to serve as police chief from patrol officers.

“It’s a great recommendation,” Tourville said. “And, it's always a pleasure to move someone up within our ranks.”

Stanger’s promotion leaves Inver Grove Heights Police with one fewer lieutenant, the rank Stanger held before becoming acting chief.

Tourville said the city would be hiring and promoting officers to fill Stanger’s spot and other vacancies in the force.

Stanger’s first-year salary as chief, which was set when he was appointed acting chief last summer, is $109,100. It could increase to as much as $114,900 on his first-anniversary date of July 1, based on his performance evaluation.