Cornell City Council; Chief Rehberg steps down, Officer Abbate put in charge

By Ginna Young

It was a sad day, Oct. 5, at the regular Cornell City Council meeting, as members approved the retirement of police chief Glenn Rehberg. Rehberg said family is the reason for his time at Cornell coming to an end, but that he remains committed to helping find a replacement.

Rehberg’s last day in the office and on duty was Oct. 9, but he is still officially chief until Saturday, Oct. 14.

“You’ve done an excellent job,” said mayor Mark Larson, which was echoed by the rest of the council.

Expressing his gratitude to the council, Rehberg said his phone number will remain the same, if anyone needs anything.

“It has been a sincere honor and pleasure,” said Rehberg, adding his typical humor in, “and I have enjoyed it as much as I think you can enjoy being a police chief. I’m very grateful for that.”

Because someone is needed at the police department to sign the checks and keep the lights on, the Police Commission recommended the lone current full-time officer Luke Abbate, as temporary officer in charge.

“We got to have a chief,” said council/Police Commission member Floyd Hickethier.

Before they approved the appointment, council president Steve Turany asked if the matter had been discussed with Abbate. Rehberg said Abbate was apprised, and that he is very loyal to the police department and the community, agreeing to take temporary charge if the council willed.

“He was very excited at that opportunity,” said Rehberg.

The resignation of Rehberg comes at a somewhat inopportune time, as the city is in the process of hiring a second full-time police officer. Since raising the wages of officers only a few weeks ago, the department has seen five candidates apply and are looking to hire their first choice, pending a background check.

During the meeting, members also approved the purchase of a used 2019 Chevy 4x4 crew cab work truck for the city works department, for $25,268.50, from Nels Gunderson Chevrolet, in Osseo. A couple of the city workers inspected the truck and felt it would be a good addition, for the price, to the city’s fleet, changing out a 2001 model for the newer truck.