Plymouth Police Leader Reflects on Former Chief’s Passing
On a night to celebrate a new group of police officers, Plymouth public safety leaders called the occasion “bittersweet,” as the city’s police department continues to grieve over the loss of their former chief.
Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden spoke on Tuesday night about the passing of former Police Chief Mike Goldstein, who retired in 2021.
“We lost him far too soon,” said Fadden during Tuesday’s Plymouth City Council meeting. “There are no words that at this point that can bring comfort to the magnitude of his passing other than to say he put people first.”
Goldstein died unexpectedly on May 20 due to a medical incident. Further details have not been released.
“He always knew the perfect thing to say when seeking advice and he did not like to be in the spotlight,” said Fadden. “I know he would have words with me tomorrow morning if he knew I even spent this much time discussing him.”
New Officers, Deputy Chief Announced
Fadden addressed the former chief’s passing on a night the Plymouth Police Department swore in four new officers and a newly promoted deputy chief.
Plymouth officers Lauren Irwin, Jacob Andersen, Blane McLaughlin and Carter Trom took their police oath on Tuesday night.
From left to right, officers Blane McLaughlin, Carter Trom, Jacob Andersen and Lauren Irwin.
Andersen previously spent three years working with the Corcoran Police Department, while Trom served as as community service officer in Anoka County.
Irwin and McLaughlin both have roots in Plymouth and are Wayzata High School graduates. McLaughlin came through the Plymouth Police Cadet program, while Irwin spent more than six years as a dispatcher before switching to police work.
“Loved every minute of dispatching, but was even more excited to move to the other end of the radio,” said Fadden of Irwin.
Fadden also recognized the promotion of Drew Gilmore to deputy chief. Gilmore replaces previous deputy chief David Kuhnly, who became police chief for the city of Elk River.
Gilmore has a wide range of experience with the Plymouth Police Department.
He previously served as school resource officer at Armstrong High School, as an operator on the Plymouth SWAT team, and as commander on the Northwest Metro Drug Task Force.
Gilmore later led the department’s behavioral health unit, hiring the city’s first in-house social worker to help respond to mental health calls.
“Drew is a gifted leader,” said Fadden. “He is respected in this department and it is clear how much he cares for the men and women who make up the Plymouth PD family.”
Before his law enforcement career, Gilmore worked as a teacher in the Dassel-Cokato School District, where he helped at-risk youth.
Public Safety Director Erik Fadden introduces Deputy Chief Drew Gilmore.
Also See: City Leaders Reflect on Passing of Former Plymouth Police Chief
