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…”
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.
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.
"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.