Public Announcement: Retirement of Chief of Police Sean Fagan– Effective June 15, 2026

 

 

The Rolla Police Department announces the upcoming retirement of Chief of Police Sean Fagan, who will conclude his distinguished career in law enforcement on June 15, 2026. Chief Fagan has served the Rolla community with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication for more than a decade, capping an accomplished 46-year career in policing.

Chief Fagan began his law enforcement journey in 1980 as a full-time Police Cadet with the University City Police Department. After graduating from the Greater St. Louis Police Academy in 1982, he served as a Patrol Officer before joining the Florissant Police Department in 1985. Over the next 30 years, he rose through the ranks to become Captain, earning a reputation for exceptional leadership and commitment to public service.

In 2015, Chief Fagan was selected to lead the Rolla Police Department. Under his leadership, the department achieved several major milestones, including state accreditation through the Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation and recognition as a “Blue Shield” Department by the Missouri Governor’s Office—an acknowledgment of RPD’s excellence, community partnership, and dedication to public safety. His steady guidance has strengthened the department’s professional standards and deepened its relationship with the citizens of Rolla.

Mayor Magdits notes: “Chief Fagan greatly elevated the professionalism and performance of the Rolla Police Department during his leadership. He has and continues to implement the policies, programs and standards needed to ensure quality service is provided by the men and women of the department. He has strengthened key working relationships with Missouri S & T’s Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Public Schools, and other community organizations. Chief Fagan’s leadership will have a lasting impact on the department and the service it provides to the Rolla community. We thank him for his years of service and wish him the best in his next chapter of life.” 

Chief Fagan is also a respected leader within Missouri’s law enforcement community. He served as President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association from 2020–2021, representing police executives across the state during a time of significant national change and public safety challenges.

Throughout his career, Chief Fagan has been committed to professional development and lifelong learning. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute and the Senior Management Institute for Police. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management, with a minor in Theology from Concordia University, and a Master of Science in the Administration of Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville.

“It has been an honor to lead the men and women of the Rolla Police Department and to serve this community. With the support of the elected officials, city administration and department staff, I’m able to step back knowing the department has a strong future ahead of it. The department has finally achieved full staffing and is positioned to continue providing excellent service to the citizens of Rolla.” Chief Fagan said.

Chief Fagan is most proud of his family, including his wife, Karen, of 43 years; their three sons; and seven grandchildren. Upon retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying the next chapter of his life.

A process for selecting Chief Fagan’s successor will be outlined after the holidays. It is expected that the next Chief will be selected prior to Chief Fagan’s final day with the department.