Deputy Pocatello Police Chief to retire

Pocatello Deputy Police Chief Jim Peterson will retire from the force June 27.

One of the department’s longest-serving officers, Peterson began his career as a Chubbuck reserve officer after graduating from the ISU Law Enforcement program in 1984. He joined the Pocatello Police as a patrol officer in 1985.

Peterson has served as a Detective, Patrol Division Sergeant, and became one of the first School Resource Officers. He was promoted to Major and assigned as Deputy Chief in 2012.

“Major Peterson and I started our careers about six months apart,” said Chief Scott Marchand. “It has been quite a partnership over these years. It’s tough to lose an officer of his caliber and he is going to be missed in the department and as an officer in the community.”

Peterson and his wife, Ellie, plan to spend some retirement time with their children and grandchildren.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been able to serve in many different capacities in my career,” said Major Peterson. “From investigations to spending time with students in our local schools, they each had their own rewards.”

The public is invited to a potluck lunch for Peterson Wednesday, June 27, at 11:30 a.m. in the Pocatello City Council Chambers.