Cottage Grove honors Public Safety Director Pete Kerner after 34 years of service

The Cottage Grove City Council and regional law-enforcement partners honored Public Safety Director Pete Kerner on April 1 as he prepares to take medical leave and retire after 34 years of public service.

Elected officials and chiefs of police described Kerner's career as marked by interagency collaboration, leadership on SWAT operations and community-centered programs. Washington County Sheriff Dan Sari said Kerner "has always been there" for the county and read a commemorative plaque honoring Kerner's 34 years of service, including nine years of leadership and SWAT participation. Brian Mueller, chief of police in Stillwater, also thanked Kerner for mentorship and interagency work.

Cindy Bailey, president of the Cottage Grove Public Safety Board, thanked Kerner for his support of the board. Council members recalled Kerner's role in community programs including canine units, the Hero Center partnership and youth-service work with local nonprofits.

Kerner addressed the room and said he appreciated the support of staff and family and that he is not "running off"; he described the job as "a heck of a ride" and thanked his colleagues.

The council said there will be a public celebration in May and noted Kerner will be honored at an upcoming Youth Service Bureau gala with a youth service award. The meeting then moved on to other agenda items.