Montpelier City Manager William Fraser announced today that he has appointed Brian Peete, 44, most recently of Alamogordo, New Mexico, to the position of Police Chief. Peete will work alongside retiring Chief Anthony Facos beginning on June 15th and assume his formal role as Montpelier’s 15th Chief of Police on July 1st. Chief Peete will be responsible for continuing the community’s high level of policing services, growing our successful public safety outreach programs and partnerships, and providing new perspectives to both the Police Department and the City’s leadership team.
Chief Peete comes to Montpelier after serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Peete started his career through service in the United States Air Force, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, an Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge, and as a Region Manager for the Office of Special Investigations. His law enforcement career started with the Chicago Police Department, where he served as a Crime Prevention and Information Center Analyst, a Field Training Officer, and a Patrolman. He also has worked as a Chief Investigator and the Chief Forensic Audit Investigator for Police Accountability for the Office of the Inspector General in Chicago. In addition, Peete has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Employment Relations from the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a Master’s degree in Police Psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology
Peete was selected from a field of 19 applicants. City Manager Fraser was assisted by a citizen/stakeholder group, the city leadership team, and Police/Dispatch representatives. Peete participated in interviews, criminal and financial records checks, and background checks. He impressed all with his demeanor, knowledge, leadership skills, breadth of experience, and emphasis on mental health awareness and response.
Chief Peete left his position in Alamogordo through a difficult resignation process. The political and administrative environment created by Alamogordo’s City officials conflicted with his personal and professional ethics. Peete’s commitment to Alamogordo and its residents, and the overwhelming support he continues to have within that community, his previous employees, and other regional law enforcement agencies became clear during the extensive vetting process.
Despite the political climate in Alamogordo, Peete was able to bring a Crisis Intervention Team Program to the department, along with a $400k grant. He also wrote Alamogordo’s first Strategic Plan for the Police Department, championed officer mental health, and instituted a robust training program. Chief Peete worked extensively in the community, supported local businesses, and established new working partnerships with County, State and Federal agencies.
Peete said he was very excited to work with “people of integrity who are focused on progression, inclusion, transparency, community partnerships, and growth”. The Chicago native has already moved with his family to Montpelier. He and his wife, Natalie, “look forward to raising their 6 year old daughter in a supportive, safe, and vibrant small town”.
City Manager Fraser said, “We had a very strong group of finalists. Chief Peete, however, rose to the top among all of our review groups. We are confident that Mr. Peete’s experience and dedication to the profession of law enforcement will immensely benefit the Montpelier Police Department and the Montpelier community. We look forward to his progressive and innovative approaches to improve our already excellent Police Department.”
Peete’s salary will be $103,000 annually which is the same as Chief Facos. Chief Facos’ retirement is effective on June 30th. Facos has been with the department since 1985 and has served as Chief since 2007.
City of Montpelier Police Chief PSA