The Centralia Police Department honored retiring sergeant Michael Peebles in a ceremony at City Hall on Monday. Peebles served in the department for 21 years. Police Chief Chris Locke said Peebles left an impact on Centralia through his service.
“Needless to say, he’s going to leave some big shoes to fill,” Locke said. “He’s been a tremendous asset to the department and Centralia, and he certainly did everything he could to make the community safer for everyone.”
With Peebles departing the police department, Blake Dukes was promoted to the position of sergeant. Dukes started his law enforcement career with Central City in 2000 and has been with the Centralia Police Department since 2008. Locke said Dukes’ experience make him a valuable leader in a young police department.
“I think he will be a tremendous asset to the shift, with leadership and guidance. We all know we have a young department, like many departments. His years of experience are really needed, and I know he’s up to the task.”
Lastly at the ceremony, Josh Black was sworn in as a patrolman. Black start his career in law enforcement part-time with Central City in 2022, then worked for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office full-time beginning in 2024. Locke said that in Black’s time law enforcement, he has demonstrated skills that make him a strong addition to Centralia Police.
“Josh is a very proactive officer, with a strong commitment to building relationships with the community, which actually coincides with exactly we appreciate in a new hire who comes on board. We expect proactive law enforcement, we expect building relationships in the community, with residents and visitors alike.”
Black begins work for the department on Wednesday.
