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Cake, Tears, Tales, And Tie-Dye: Community Honors Retired EPD Chief

Brian Bull
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KLCC

Now-former Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns was officially honored today in a public ceremony.  As KLCC’s Bull reports, Kerns wraps up 34 years of service. 

“What we’d like to do is, we’re going to go ahead and present your retirement badge," said Florence PD Chief Tom Turner, rustling a bouquet.  "In addition, present some flowers to Joan…” 

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Special retirement cake for the event.

Roughly 200 people gathered in the First Baptist Church for the event. Dignitaries from Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis to family paid tribute to Pete Kerns’ many years on the force.  

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Pete Kerns (center) with his wife, Joan, and other family members at today's event.

Anecdotes touched on the 2011 death of Officer Chris Kilcullen, the Occupy Eugene movement, and EPD’s move to a new location.

Besides numerous plaques and certificates, Kern’s peers also presented him a commemorative tie-dyed t-shirt.  Kerns looked humbled by all of the attention.  

(laughs) “Well the whole thing is very, very nice," Kerns told KLCC right after the event.  

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis presents an American flag and other commemorative honors to Pete Kerns at today's event. She also read a letter from Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio thanking Kerns for his many years on the EPD.

"When you know yourself and how human you are, you don’t feel worthy of this kind of recognition. But I sure do appreciate what everybody said and how kind their words were.”

December 11th was Kerns’ last day with the EPD.  His new role will be as chief of staff for St. Vincent DePaul of Lane County.

Copyright 2017, KLCC. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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