Scott Keigley has been sworn in as Chatfield’s new police chief. Keigley explained he has always had an interest in law enforcement. He was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He grew up in a law enforcement family as his father was a police officer.
After high school life took him on another path for a time. He explained that while growing up he didn’t have a lot so he learned to fix his own stuff. He worked for a bus company in Iowa and later in Rochester after he and his family moved to southeast Minnesota.
Looking to the future with his family raised he had the opportunity to go back to school and earn a degree in law enforcement. He had always retained his desire to work in law enforcement.
Keigley was hired as a Chatfield patrol officer in 2011. After about 12 years he resigned that position in July 2023 to take a position as a Fillmore County patrol officer. He never fully left the city of Chatfield as he was authorized by the city to continue to serve Chatfield as a training officer and as a part-time officer as needed.
Keigley said he loved his job in Fillmore County, saying, “It was honestly the best job I had in my life working with a great group of people.” In March 2025 he was promoted to patrol sergeant. He was comfortable with and enjoyed his service with Fillmore County. “Sheriff John DeGeorge was an awesome man to work for.”
Police Chief Shane Fox recently retired after 29 years of service. Keigley trained with him for about a month to prepare for the job. Keigley said Fox is beloved in Chatfield. “It will take a lot to fill his shoes.”
Asked if he would make any changes to the police department, Keigley commented that Shane was good technologically. “I will work on fine tuning his work,” he shared. He added that team building is important to him, saying, “I want to increase training. I want the community to be proud of its police department.”
Chatfield Police Department consists of the chief, four full-time officers, and three part-time officers. The department provides 24/7 service. One part-time officer is a retired Rochester police officer who brings with him a wealth of knowledge.
Keigley said southeast Minnesota is a beautiful place and a great place to be a police officer. Law enforcement in general is spread thin right now. There is a lot of opportunity for young people to get into law enforcement.
Keigley added he was glad to be back in Chatfield, although he misses his Fillmore County family. “I feel very welcome coming back.”
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department demonstrated their support for Keigley. Four officers including the sheriff attended his open house; they were there for him while he took the oath for his new position.
Leave a Reply