Pinellas Park Police Chief Announces Retirement

Chief Adam Geissenberger, who has 26 years with the department, is stepping down, and Deputy Chief Michael Linquist has been named interim chief.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in People

Pinellas Park Police Chief Announces Retirement

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Pinellas Park Police Chief Adam Geissenberger announced his retirement on Monday after 26 years with the department. City Manager Bart Diebold named Deputy Chief Michael Linquist as interim chief of police.

Why it matters

The leadership change puts the city's police department under interim direction while the city searches for a permanent chief. The city says it hopes to find a replacement who shares Geissenberger's dedication to the department.

Geissenberger has served 26 years with the department since beginning his career in 2000, and was appointed police chief in June 2023. The announcement does not specify the effective date of his retirement or a timeline for selecting a permanent successor.

The players

Adam Geissenberger

Geissenberger is a veteran Pinellas Park police officer who has led the department since his appointment as chief in June 2023, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 266th session.

Michael Linquist

Linquist is a deputy chief with the Pinellas Park Police Department who was named interim chief of police following Geissenberger's retirement announcement.

Bart Diebold

Diebold is the city manager of Pinellas Park, who named the interim police chief.

The details

Geissenberger notified city leadership and department staff of his decision. He has served in every section of the department and holds a Master of Science and a Master of Public Administration in criminal justice and public administration from Troy University.

June 2023: Geissenberger was appointed police chief.
2000: Geissenberger began his career with the Pinellas Park Police Department.
2021: Geissenberger graduated from Leadership Pinellas.
2025: Geissenberger received the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce President's Award.
Monday: Geissenberger announced his retirement.

Leadership Pipeline

Geissenberger's career path, including graduation from the FBI National Academy's 266th session and Leadership Pinellas in 2021, reflects the executive training typically pursued by police leaders before reaching the chief's office. His retirement opens a leadership transition in which the city is now choosing between an interim chief and a permanent successor.

Residents of Pinellas Park will be served by an interim police chief until the city selects a permanent replacement. The announcement does not specify when the transition takes effect or when a permanent chief will be named.

The takeaway

Leadership transitions in local police departments often hinge on the search for a successor who fits the department's long-term direction. Pinellas Park's interim arrangement gives the city time to make that choice.