[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  CONGRATULATING PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR PETE KOERNER ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANGIE CRAIG

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2026

  Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, 
Public Safety Director Pete Koerner, on his retirement after 34 years 
with the city of Cottage Grove. Chief Koerner is a dedicated public 
servant and an outstanding leader in our community.
  Chief Koerner began his career with the Cottage Grove Police 
Department in 1992, where he served as a community service officer. 
Throughout his tenure, Chief Koerner served in several roles including 
as a school resource officer, a detective, a Project D.A.R.E. officer 
and a crisis negotiator. He was first promoted to sergeant, then 
captain, and in 2018, he was named Director of Public Safety.
  As Director of Public Safety, Chief Koerner strengthened community 
trust through his commitment to transparency and service. He was kind 
enough to facilitate a ride-along for me with his department, which 
provided me with new insight into the valuable work Cottage Grove 
police officers, like Chief Koerner, do every day. He was instrumental 
in advocating for the construction of the HERO Training Center in 
Cottage Grove which provides public safety personnel with access to 
critical educational resources. I had the privilege of touring this 
outstanding facility and am grateful for Chief Koerner's work to make 
it a reality.
  Chief Koerner's community involvement extends beyond his official 
role. In his free time, Chief Koerner has coached baseball and 
basketball for the Cottage Grove Athletic Association. He also served 
as a board member for several community groups, including the Friends 
in Need Food Shelf, the Holiday Train Committee, the Strawberry 
Festival Committee and the Cottage Grove Lions.
  I am deeply inspired by Chief Koerner's commitment to serving his 
neighbors. His leadership in public safety will have a lasting impact 
on Cottage Grove, and I am grateful for all he has done to protect and 
support our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Chief 
Koerner and in wishing him all the best on his well-earned retirement.

                          ____________________