by Mike Goldstein, the former police chief and public safety director of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away earlier this week following a medical incident. He was 58 years old.
Goldstein was widely admired and remembered as “one-of-a-kind” by Jeff Potts, executive director of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, who called him both a mentor and a father figure to dozens of police leaders. Potts first connected with Goldstein during his time as police chief of Bloomington, Minnesota.
“He was the go-to person for any new police chief,” Potts said. “Mike had a unique ability to guide and support others in the toughest moments.”
Goldstein’s roots ran deep in Plymouth. Growing up in the city, he joined its inaugural class of police explorers while still in high school. He was hired as a full-time officer in 1990 and rose through the ranks to become police chief in 2004. Over his 30-plus-year career, he was dedicated to serving and protecting the community he called home.
In tribute, Plymouth has lowered its flags to half-mast.
“We are heartbroken by Mike’s passing,” said current public safety director Erik Fadden. “He leaves behind an unmatched legacy that will be felt for years to come.”
Goldstein’s impact extended beyond traditional policing—he was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness within law enforcement. He emphasized the importance of officers taking care of their mental and physical well-being so they could be not only better professionals but also better family members and community members.
“Mike believed that supporting mental health and fitness made officers stronger, not just on the job but in their roles as moms, dads, brothers, and sisters,” Potts explained.
Though Goldstein retired four years ago, he remained active in the law enforcement community, contributing to wellness programs that help officers cope with the emotional toll of their work.
“Losing Mike was devastating—not just for me personally but for the entire law enforcement community,” Potts said. “He was a true icon who left us far too soon.”
While Goldstein’s life and work were centered in Minnesota, his influence reached well beyond, inspiring law enforcement professionals in neighboring states like Wyoming, where many face similar challenges balancing duty and wellness in their communities.
