DES MOINES, Iowa — After 33 years of service and nine at the helm of the state's largest force, Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert is starting a new chapter.
Wingert announced his retirement back in May. Now, he is handing the reins over to Michael McTaggert, a 25-year veteran of the department.
While the changing of the guard happens this week, Wingert sat down for an interview with Local 5's Stephanie Angleson to look back on his career.
"I'm not going to say there aren't other plans" he said in the interview. "There's some options out there. I know a little bit about Des Moines, I think I have something to offer. I don't need to be the guy in charge of 480 people in a 24/7 operation."
Through the highs and lows, Wingert said the relationships he made in the community are crucial moving forward.
"Our folks want to be part of this community ... So those relationships [are] absolutely priority number one, has to be for any police department, and the incoming chief 100% understands that," Wingert said.
Throughout the 30-minute interview, Wingert discussed DMPD's response to civil unrest in 2020, losing officers in 2016 and his hopes for Des Moines' future.
"My thing for Chief McTaggart would be, find that balance. You don't have to do everything yourself, make sure you take time for yourself, time for your family," he said. "If you let this job consume you, it will. Keep the focus on 'I gotta find some balance', much like me, he's got a talented team around him."