Warren Eilif “Pete” Peterson, age 85 years, of Delaware Township, NJ, retired Chief of Police of Delaware Township, NJ, and retired Sheriff of Hunterdon County, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, January 31, 2019 and joined the love of his life, Bente Moller Peterson, in heaven.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, November 25, 1933, son of the late John Arthur and Ingrid Halvorsen Peterson, he was raised in Brooklyn, NY, before he moved to Washington, D.C. in 1954. He would live in D.C. for four years before moving to South Plainfield, NJ, in 1959 and then settling to Delaware Township, NJ, in 1969 where he lived and enjoyed his farm, “Peterson’s Little Denmark,” until his death.

An accident as a teenager led him to rehabilitation at a gym where he learned to box. He excelled at boxing and continued that path after enlisting in the United Sates Navy. Serving from 1952-1954, Pete was a world renowned boxer for the navy in the Golden Gloves. He was the all-Navy welterweight champion and was well-known in the sport for his fearlessness and tenacity.

After his navy years, he became a beat cop in New York City where he received a medal of heroism for risking his own life to save a woman’s life. He would then follow his brother, John Arthur II’s lead and joined the ranks of the Washington D. C. Metropolitan Police serving primarily with their motorcycle unit. His role involved everything from routine patrols to escorting presidential motorcades.

A position as an officer with the South Plainfield, NJ Police Department brought Pete and his young family to New Jersey, and he became a decorated officer receiving awards for bravery beyond the call of duty, as well as both the Police Valor Award and the Bronze Bar.

The lure of the country would eventually call Pete and his family to Delaware Township where he would work for thirteen years with the Delaware Township Police Department, serving for eight of them as Chief. He believed that police work was meant to serve and protect, not ticket and arrest. He would see that the laws were enforced and that, “right” would always win, but, in a kind and compassionate way. He was one who would rather talk with people than conflict with them and many people’s life paths were altered for the better because of Pete’s guidance.

He had followed his childhood dream of becoming a policeman but, also that of being a cowboy. He was born and raised a city boy but, a true country boy and cowboy at heart.

Having always had an interest in politics, he served in various roles in South Plainfield, from being a member of the Board of Adjustment to a Committeeman. Living in Hunterdon County for 12 years, Pete decided to further his law enforcement career by running for the Republican nomination for Sheriff of Hunterdon County against a qualified and formidable opponent, Frank Schuman.

Grounded by his hard work and larger than life persona in Delaware Township, along with his well respected reputation, he emerged victorious in his bid to become Sheriff. His first act as Sheriff was to hire his opponent, Frank, as his under-sheriff. The two would go on to become great friends and Pete continued to serve Hunterdon County and its residents for many years, solidifying his reputation as a man of honor who always made sure that justice was blind.

His life is a winding path of giving back to the community, not for the recognition of doing so, but because he felt it was the right thing to do. All of his involvements cut across the spectrum of helping people however he was able.

His many civic and community involvements include: being a charter member of PBA #1580, Washington, D.C., a Master Mason of the DC Circle Club, a member of the South Plainfield Jaycees, a charter member of VFW Post #8390, a member of Orpheus Lodge No. 137, F. & A. M., a Past-President of the Hunterdon County Police Chiefs Association, and a member of Rotary International.

The writer Robert Peel once said, “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.” Pete truly lived his work which to him was not work, but the way to life life by giving back to others.

Dementia took ahold of Pete in his later years, but his illness did not rob him of his ability to find joy in everyday life. His teaching others to always do right by their fellow human was not lost on those who knew him, and his family and close friends did all they could to assist him as he grappled with losing a version of himself.

They ensured his comfort and in the process helped not only Pete but other Veterans and those in need; exactly what Pete would have done if faced with the same situation. Despite the illness, his personality and keen observation skills shone through until the end, letting his family know he enjoyed every day of his life.

Pete’s legacy as a man of courage, strength, love and, of course, humor, is written in permanent ink on the hearts of all who knew him. His physical presence will be sorely missed, but he is surely happy to be reunited with his loving wife and parents.

Surviving are his children, Marlo Peterson, Warren Erling Peterson, and Ingrid and her husband, Edward Kiley; his grandchildren, Aubrey Garson, Cayce Kiley and her husband, Grant Giacomarra, and Brittany Kiley; a great grandson, Crew Garson; his longtime companion, who loved and cared for him, Brenda Bianco; and many dear friends.

Family and friends are encouraged to gather on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ, to help celebrate the life and legacy of this larger-than-life soul.

This gathering will be followed at 6:00 p.m. by United States Navy Military Honors, the Last Call from the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Department and the Delaware Township Police Department, V.F.W. Post #8390 services, and a Life Celebration Service to which all are welcomed.

Please visit Warren’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a contribution to the Gary Sinise Foundation to help veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.