Pinellas Park names interim police chief as Adam Geissenberger retires

Pinellas Park Police Chief Adam Geissenberger is retiring after a 26-year career with the department, city officials announced Monday, Nov. 9. City Manager Bart Diebold has named Deputy Chief Michael Linquist to serve as interim chief as the city looks for a permanent replacement.

Geissenberger informed city leadership and department employees of his decision to retire. His career with the Pinellas Park Police Department began in 2000, and he held several positions before being appointed chief in June 2023. Over his time with the agency, he worked in every section of the organization.

In reflecting on his career, Geissenberger emphasized the people he worked with and the shared commitment that shaped his experience in public service. He described the department as his professional home for more than a quarter of a century and said its significance went beyond the positions he held.

"I realize the greatest reward of public service was never a title, a position, or an accomplishment," Geissenberger said. "It was the privilege of serving alongside extraordinary people who gave their time, talents, and hearts to something greater than themselves."

Diebold praised the departing chief's contributions to both the police department and the wider Pinellas Park community. He credited Geissenberger with leaving a lasting mark throughout the organization, linking that influence to his commitment to residents and the police officers who serve the city each day.

As the city considers a permanent successor, Diebold said it hopes to find someone who shares Geissenberger's dedication to the department, its officers and the community. Linquist's appointment places the deputy chief in the interim leadership role while a permanent replacement remains to be named.

Geissenberger's education includes two master's degrees from Troy University: a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration. He also graduated from the 266th session of the FBI National Academy and completed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Chief Executive Seminar and Senior Leadership Program.

His other credentials include graduating from Leadership Pinellas in 2021. In 2025, he received the Pinellas Park Chamber of Commerce President's Award. The city has not released additional details about his retirement or the search for the department's next permanent chief.