St. Thomas graduate school alumus Todd Axtell has been appointed as St. Paul police chief.

St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman announced the appointment of the 26-year department veteran at a news conference in June and endorsed Axtell’s ability to lead the force in a video statement.

“(Axtell) has built incredible relationships in the community,” Coleman said. “He is a man of tremendous compassion, but also I have had a chance to personally observe him in command situations and there is no doubt that this is a person that can command the St. Paul Police department in the 21st century.”

Axtell earned his two-year law enforcement degree from Alexandria Technical College and later received a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Metro State University. After serving as an officer in Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes, Axtell earned a master’s degree in police leadership, administration and education from St. Thomas.