Congratulating Public Safety Director Pete Koerner on His Retirement

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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.

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