New Crystal Deputy Chief Brian Hubbard Returns to his Hometown

The Crystal Police Department has a new deputy chief. Officer Brian Hubbard not only grew up in the city, he’s also the first African-American in the position.

“It’s surreal is what it is,” said Hubbard.

He’s only been on the job a week and is still putting up pictures and getting settled in his new space. His orientation won’t include getting familiar with the streets, that’s because he knows the city like the back of his hand.

“When I was 12, my mom brought a house at 52nd and Kentucky,” Hubbard said.

Opportunity he couldn’t pass up

Hubbard wasn’t looking for a job at the time, but when the position became available, he jumped at the opportunity.

“Interacting with the community has been important to me and the opportunity to do that in my community was really one I couldn’t pass up,” he explained.

The native son brings a lot of experience to the job. Before Crystal, he served on the Edina Police Department for more than 10 years.   He also received the Mike Siitari officer of the year award in 2017.

“That was one of the most humbling experiences in my professional life,” Hubbard recalled.

Hubbard wants to make a difference

He knows this is a difficult time period for police officers but he wants to make a difference.

“I see that as an opportunity because the reality is, while we’ve certainly have had some bad situations that I couldn’t stand behind, for the most part, folks in law enforcement do remarkable work.”

And don’t expect to see Hubbard sitting behind a desk. He wants to interact in the community where he grew up.

“I really enjoy the opportunity to make an impact on people,” he said.

Hubbard will be officially sworn-in on September 4th.

Crystal