Cottage Grove will soon have a new public safety director — Pete Koerner.
Koerner, a captain in the police department, will be sworn in at the March 7 city council meeting.
He joined the department in 1992 as a community services officer and later became a police officer, sergeant and captain. He has had several specialized assignments, including as a SWAT crisis negotiator and use-of-force instructor.
“The Cottage Grove Public Safety department provides excellent delivery of service,” Koerner said. “I’m proud of how we connect with those we serve and will continue to build on our involvement in the community.”
Koerner serves on the board of the Friends in Need Food Shelf and is a member of the Cottage Grove Lions Club.
He will replace Craig Woolery, who announced his retirement in September. He has been public safety director since 2006.