[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      HONORING FORMER CERES POLICE CHIEF GAIL W. ``PETE'' PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a leader in the Ceres community, former Ceres Police Chief Gail 
W. ``Pete'' Peterson. The beloved father, son and husband died 
peacefully at the age of 77 after a courageous eight month battle with 
bladder cancer.
  Pete was born on November 28, 1937 to Milburn and Lucille Peterson in 
the charming town of Panton, Illinois. In his adult years, Pete found 
his calling in law enforcement when he became a reserve officer for the 
Newport Beach Police Department. Following his service in Newport 
Beach, he moved to the Laguna Beach department and then on to the City 
of Orange, known as a ``major city with small-town ambiance.''
  During Pete's time at the Orange Police Department, he took many 
different positions. Initially, he started as a patrolman, but was 
quickly promoted to the first accident investigation officer. Not one 
to rest on his laurels, he became a motorcycle officer and continued to 
further his career by being promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. From 
there, Pete migrated to Idaho where he became the Chief of Police for 
the Moscow Police Department.
  Chief Peterson began his distinguished career with the Ceres 
Department of Public Safety on June 30, 1983 where he spent sixteen 
years of his life being a local hero. Pete was involved in integrating 
the Ceres Police Department headquarters and the Ceres Fire Department 
into one department of Public Safety. He introduced new technology and 
instrumental programs into the police department such as mobile data 
terminals, the canine unit and a motorcycle unit which the department 
still utilizes today.
  Admired by each member of the public safety family, Chief Peterson is 
fondly remembered for positively impacting the lives of his fellow 
officers by his concern, dedication and leadership. To honor him, his 
name will be put on the new Ceres Police Department building where his 
commitment to serving the Ceres community can be forever acknowledged.
  Believing that community involvement is important, Chief Peterson was 
an active member of the Rotary Club of Ceres and the Ceres Lions Club. 
In addition, he was also the former president of the Stanislaus County 
Peace Officer Association.
  After retiring in 1999, Pete and his loving wife of 27 years, Karen 
Peterson, spent time at their vacation homes but made their residence 
in Modesto, California. Together they have a large, loving family who 
were there at every opportunity to lend their love and moral support. 
Pete is survived by his daughter, Lisa Kermode and sons: Brett 
Peterson, Jeff Peterson, Steve Peterson, Ken Katz, Kim Katz, Khris 
Katz, and Kurt Katz as well as his grandchildren, Jeff Cravens, Jesse 
Peterson, Shaun Peterson, Tanner Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Jordan 
Katz, Rebecca Hailstones, Kelly Kermode, Abigale Kermode, Chelsea 
Hanneyer, Jo Lynn Peterson, Hannah Peterson, Erika Webber, Brittaney Da 
Branca, Kendra Katz, Tara Katz and six great grandchildren. Pete is 
preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Chris Peterson.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing Gail W. 
``Pete'' Peterson for his unwavering dedication to the Ceres Department 
of Public Safety and the community at large. He was a true hero to his 
family, fellow officers and the City of Ceres; he will be deeply missed 
by many. God bless him always.

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