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Danville police chief to retire, take Somerset position

February 23, 2007|TODD KLEFFMAN

Jeff Peek, Danville's police chief and director of public safety, announced Thursday that he plans to retire at the end of March to become police chief of Somerset in his native Pulaski County.

Peek, 45, has been with the Danville Police Department for 24 years. When he took the chief's job in 2002, he said he only planned to serve for five years. He had already decided to retire in July and return to Pulaski County but moved the process up after learning about the Somerset opening.

"I've actually lived in this community longer than I did in Pulaski County," said Peek, who grew up in Science Hill. "But Pulaski County is still home. That's where Mom is."

Peek said he was offered the job earlier this week by Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler. The hiring still must be approved by the City Council, which will meet to discuss the matter on March 12, Peek said. If all goes well, Peek's last day on the job in Danville will be March 31, and he will begin in Somerset on May 1.

The Somerset position opened in December when former chief David Biggerstaff resigned after clashing with the newly-elected mayor over the direction of the department. Peek said he does not have any personal ties to Girdler, but did fax his resume to Somerset when the chief's job came open about three years ago.

Peek said he will be paid $65,000 a year, plus incentives, in Somerset. He earned $69,000 annually in Danville.

Danville City Manager Darrell Blenniss said the Danville City Commission will likely wait to see if Peek is approved by the Somerset City Council before beginning its search for a new chief.

Wife to stay in Danville job

The commission will decide how to conduct its search. Options include hiring a consultant, advertising the position statewide or nationally, or looking inside the department for a replacement, Blenniss said.

Somerset has about 11,000 residents and 35 officers on its police force, compared to Danville's population of 15,500 and 32 officers.

"The cities are very similar in size and make-up," Peek said. "I know it's been a long time, but I hope it is as easy a transition going back as when I came here 25 years ago."

Peek's wife, Donna, is Danville city clerk and plans to stay in her job for the immediate future, her husband said.

"The city and people of Danville have been fabulous. I'm always proud to be out somewhere and hear people brag on Danville," Peek said. "I hope working in Somerset will be as rewarding."

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