[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE PETER I. BREEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter I. Breen for his 
service as a District Court Judge in the great State of Nevada.
  Peter was born in Reno, Nevada, November 8, 1939. His mother, 
Gwendolyn (Ingram), was born in Sparks, Nevada, in 1908. His father, 
Peter, was born in Eureka, Nevada, in 1901, was District Judge of the 
Fifth Judicial District from 1956 to 1967. His grandfather, Peter 
Breen, was District Judge of the Third Judicial District from 1901-
1923.
  Peter was raised and educated in Goldfield and Tonopah, Nevada, where 
he graduated from Tonopah High School in 1956. He graduated from the 
University of Nevada in 1960 and the University of Santa Clara Law 
School in 1963.
  Peter practiced law both in Reno and Carson City from 1963 to 1973. 
From 1967 to 1970 he served as Deputy Attorney General. Following that, 
he was a partner with Emerson J. Wilson in the firm of Wilson and 
Breen, Ltd. at the time of his appointment to the bench. Governor 
O'Callaghan made his appointment to fill the newly created Department 
Seven effective January 2, 1974. Peter has been elected six times to 
the post without opposition.
  The Washoe County Courthouse Historical and Preservation Society was 
formed in June 1999 by Peter for the purpose of restoration and 
preservation of the historical courthouse and its history. The Society 
instituted the Flag Day Celebration in 2000 and holiday lighting of the 
courthouse, and they have become popular traditions. Peter continues to 
serve as the Society's President. A commemoration of the recently 
restored historical courtroom is to occur in 2006.
  On July 1, 1999, Peter instituted a Probate Court in the District 
Court and presides over its operation.
  Peter instituted the Washoe County Adult Drug Court on July 1, 1995. 
He also created and presides over a Diversion Court for criminal 
offenders whose crimes are attributable to drug addiction or 
alcoholism. He has participated at the National Judicial College in 
Reno, Nevada, and National Association of Drug Court Professionals in 
several programs concerning the Drug Court movement. In November 2001, 
he established the first Mental Health Court in Nevada.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Honorable Peter I. Breen 
on the floor of the House today.

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