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Command Staff Bios:
Sergeant Art Smith
Sergeant Arthur Smith started his law enforcement career in 2002 as a patrol officer with the Peru Police Department. In 2007, he was assigned to the Crime Reduction Team until 2008 when he became part of the Peru Police Department K-9 Unit. He worked proactively and ambitiously with his K-9 partners, assisting with numerous felony drug seizures. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and became the K-9 unit supervisor. He is the operations team leader and member of the Peru Emergency Response Team (PERT). He is a certified firearms instructor and certified field training officer for the department. Sergeant Smith holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the Illinois Valley Community College and has over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement training/education hours during his career. Sergeant Smith loves spending time with his wife, four children, and retired police K-9. He enjoys taking trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and other outdoor activities, such as riding ATVs, rock climbing and fishing.
Sergeant Rick Piscia
Sergeant Rick Piscia graduated in 1994 from Lewis University, Romeoville Illinois with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal and Social Justice. In 1997, he began his law enforcement career as a Patrolman for the Oglesby Police Department. In 2000 he was hired Patrolman for the Peru Police Department. In 2002, Sergeant Piscia was detailed the Illinois State Police Zone 3 LaSalle Task Force (Z3/LTF) now called Trident. After approximately 3½ years of undercover narcotics work, he was reassigned to the patrol division with Peru Police. In 2010, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant where he currently supervises a 6p-6a shift.
Sergeant Scott DeGroot
Sergeant Scott DeGroot started his law enforcement career January 09, 2000, with the Peru Police Department. In August 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant and serves as a shift supervisor in the patrol division. Sergeant Scott DeGroot is a certified crisis negotiator. Sergeant Scott DeGroot was born and raised in the Peru, where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Washington Jr. High School and L-P High School. He then earned an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Valley Community College.
Sergeant Scott DeGroot is married and has three children.
Detective Sergeant Dennis Hocking
Detective Sergeant Dennis Hocking started his law enforcement career in September 1997, with the Peru Police Department in Peru, IL. In March 2000, he was assigned to the Illinois State Police Zone 3 Drug Task Force serving as an undercover narcotic detective until March 2002. In January 2007, he was assigned to the position of general case detective in the Investigations division. In June 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a shift supervisor in the patrol division. In April 2011, he was name d as the Detective Sergeant where he currently serves as the commander of that division. Detective Sergeant Hocking is also the department’s tobacco compliance liaison, a child sex abuse forensic interviewer, and past member of the Peru Emergency Response Team. Detective Sergeant Hocking holds an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Illinois Valley Community College and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career.
Sergeant Ed DeGroot
Sergeant Ed DeGroot Started at the Peru Police Department as a part time 911 dispatcher in November 1990 and was Hired as a full time 911 dispatcher in 1993. Sergeant Ed DeGroot Tested for the position of police officer with the City of Peru and was hired as a patrol officer in December 1995. He was promoted to Sergeant April of 2008. Sergeant Ed DeGroot has an Associate of Science Degree from Illinois Valley Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University and is a Graduate of the Police Training Institute University of Illinois Sergeant Ed DeGroot was a Field Training Officer assisting probationary officers new to the department and is currently the Field Training Program Coordinator. He also maintains the departments Livescan fingerprinting system, provides Quality checks, and sends Livescan fingerprints to Bureau of Identification
Commander Sarah Raymond
Commander Sarah Raymond started her law enforcement career in June of 2004 with the Peru Police Department in Peru Illinois. In May of 2009, she was promoted to sergeant and served as a patrol sergeant until December of 2017 when she was promoted to commander. She is the Commander of the Peru Emergency Response Team that is a specially trained response team deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactics. She is a control tactics certified instructor and a child sex abuse forensic interviewer. She currently teaches women’s self-defense and active shooter trainings in not only the schools but in local businesses as well. Commander Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Olivet Nazarene University and is currently seeking her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in criminal justice. Commander Raymond is the recipient of the Illinois Valley Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year Award for 2008 and Medal of Valor award recipient from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police in 2008. Commander Raymond graduated the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, class #452, in May of 2019. She was the recipient of the Franklin M. Kreml award for leadership, which is voted upon by her peers.
Deputy Chief Pyszka
The Support Services Division is under the command of Deputy Chief Pyszka who is also the second in command for the police department. He joined the Peru Police Department in October of 1990 now having served the City of Peru for nearly 3 decades. He first served as a patrol officer for eleven years. During that time he was assigned several additional duties including field training officer, abandoned vehicle officer, sex offender liaison officer, bike patrol officer and at various times as officer in charge. In November of 2001, he was chosen for a position in the Criminal Investigations Division. During his time in investigations, he was the court liaison officer, evidence custodian, crime scene technician, and lead Fraternal Order of Police liaison. While serving the City of Peru as an investigator, two of the largest burglaries occurred in LaSalle County history. Both cases were solved after a lengthy investigation. On January 1, 2007 then recently appointed Police Chief Douglas Bernabei named Robert Pyszka as the first Deputy Chief of Police in Peru police department history. During the twelve-year tenure as Deputy Chief of Police, he has at various times supervised the Detective Division, Dispatch Center, Patrol Division, and now currently the Support Services Division. The Deputy Chief of Police is currently responsible many duties some of which include technology in the department, training component, grant writing, and coordinating all community events and scheduling. Deputy Chief Pyszka is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He has also graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and has earned a certificate from the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, which was sponsored through Western Illinois University. He has been married to his wife, Lori, for twenty-six years and they have two adult children. In addition to spending time with my family, Bob enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, golfing, and motorcycle riding.
Officers Bios
Officer Sheedy
Officer Sheedy started is law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2019.
Ofc Sheedy is a native of the City of Peru. He attended Peru Public Schools and LaSalle Peru High School. holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University Prior to working with the Peru Police Department, Ofc. Sheedy worked as a Juvenile Detention Officer for McLean County in Bloomington, Illinois. In December of 2019 Officer Sheedy graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and was part of the largest graduating class at SLEA in its twenty-year history. Officer Sheedy has been married since 2018 and his wife Sierra is also an Illinois Valley native. They enjoy spending time with their families and their two dogs.
Officer Mark Credi
Officer Mark Credi began his career in Law Enforcement in 1989 as a 911 telecommunicator with the LaSalle Police Department. Officer Credi went on to become an officer with the Peru Police Department in September of 1997. Since joining the department, Officer Credi has been assigned to the patrol division. Officer Credi is a certified DARE instructor, School Resource Officer, Lead Child Safety Seat Technician, previous coordinator of the Illinois Valley Peer Jury, and currently a co-coordinator of the Peru Police Department Youth Diversion Program. Officer Credi is one of the department’s firearm’s instructors, is a certified Range Safety Officer, and serves as a Field Training Officer for new recruits. Officer Credi is the police department liaison with the Illinois Valley Community Hospital Emergency Medical System, is a certified First Responder, and previously taught CPR for 31 years. Officer Credi is also a state certified Fire Fighter (level II). Officer Credi holds an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Illinois Valley Community College, and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career. Officer Credi has previously received life-saving awards for his use of CPR and an AED. Officer Credi enjoys his volunteer activities for St. Bede Academy, Holy Family School, St. Stephen’s Society, and as a hockey bench coach. Officer Credi and his wife, Ellen, have two sons. He is an avid fisherman, loves watching hockey and baseball, and spending time with his family.
Officer Quartucci
Officer Quartucci joined the Peru Police Department in March 2008. Since then he has been assigned to the uniformed patrol division. Officer Quartucci is a certified child safety seat technician and a certified Taser Instructor for the agency. Officer Quartucci is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College holding an associate degree in criminal justice. Officer Quartucci enjoys coaching and helping out at his son’s baseball games and loves spending time with his family.
Detective John Atkins
John Atkins started his law enforcement career in 1997 by graduating the basic law enforcement academy at the Community College of Aurora in Colorado. In 1998, he became a patrol officer at Lakeside PD and was the recipient of the 1999 Lakeside PD officer of the year. In 2000, he was hired at the Fort Lupton Police Department and worked as a Patrol Officer, FTO, Detective, and Corporal. He was the recipient of 2001 Fort Lupton officer of the year award. In August 2002, he joined the Peru Police Department and served as a patrol officer, FTO, undercover narcotic agent with ISP and Trident, and is currently assigned to the investigations unit as a Detective. He is a master firearms instructor and master control tactics instructor, Spanish-speaking officer, and teaches women’s self-defense. In 2003, he was awarded the Illinois law enforcement medal of honor. He is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in fire investigations, and has over 1000 hours of continuing education/training.
Officer Jeremiah Brown
Officer Jeremiah Brown began his career as a police officer in 2006 in Plano, Illinois. In June 2008, he transferred to Peru Police Department. In high school, he obtained more than 900 hours of law enforcement training and went on to receive an associate degree from Waubonsee Community college. Officer Jeremiah loves being an officer and has high-energy approach to all aspects of life. If not working, you will find Jeremiah spending time with his kids, at the gym or gun range. Officer Amy SinesOfficer Amy Sines started her law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2003. Since 2004. Officer Sines has been part of the former Illinois Valley Peer Jury Program, now known as the Peru Police Department Youth Diversion Program. She is also part of the Crisis Negotiation team as a certified crisis negotiator, serves a field-training officer for new recruits and most recently is heading up and revitalizing the Dale Charbonneau Memorial Citizens Police Academy. Officer Sines holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University.
Officer Sines
Officer Sines loves spending time with her family and enjoys playing roller derby and volleyball. Officer Ryan KowalczykK-9 Officer Ryan Kowalczyk started his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2010. In November of 2017 he was appointed to the position of K-9 Officer, paired with his partner, K-9 Saxon. K-9 Officer Kowalczyk is also a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team, which is a specially trained unit, deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactical response.
K-9 Officer Kowalczyk
K-9 Officer Kowalczyk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Aurora University where he graduated Cum Laude. He was also a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, while enrolled there. When not serving the City of Peru, K-9 Officer Kowalczyk enjoys playing golf, gardening and trips to Disneyworld with his family. Officer Nick BiagioniOfficer Nicholas Biagioni started his law enforcement career part-time with the Spring Valley Police Department in 2005. In 2006 Officer Biagioni began his full-time law enforcement career with Granville Police Department. In May of 2007 Officer Biagioni started with the Peru Police Department. Since 2007.
Officer Biagoni
Officer Biagioni is a juvenile officer, certified child safety seat technician, certified EMT-B, and the departments vehicle maintenance officer. Officer Biagioni has been in the fire service since 2000. He started his career with the Spring Valley Fire Department. Since 2012 Officer Biagioni has been a member of the Peru Fire Department. In 2014, he was promoted to Captain. In May 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Chief. Officer Biagioni holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Biagioni currently serves as Chairman of Human Rights Committee for the Horizon House. In 2017 Officer Biagioni was elected Trustee on the Peru Township Board. In 2015, Officer Biagioni was nominated for the 40 Under Forty Award. Officer Biagioni loves spending time camping, fishing, and working on things in the garage with his family.
Officer Brad Anderson
Officer Brad Anderson started his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in 2015. Officer Anderson holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois Valley Community College. He completed his Police Training at the Police Training Institute in Champaign. Since his initial training, Officer Anderson has completed approximately 400hrs of continuing education. Officer Anderson is also a Firefighter/Paramedic and holds many certifications in both of those fields.
During his time off, Officer Anderson enjoys spending time with his family.
Officer Ben Bentley
Officer Ben Bentley started his law enforcement career as a part time officer in May of 2003 with the Utica Police Department. He also became a part time officer in the City of Mendota and the Village of Cedar Point before becoming a full time officer with the Peru Police Department in July of 2007. In 2013, Officer Bentley assisted in forming the current Taser program at the Peru Police Department and is a current Taser Instructor for the department through Axon (formerly Taser International). Officer Bentley is also a current CPR/AED Instructor for the department and certified as a Basic Emergency Medical Technician. Officer Bentley assists in the training of new officers for the department as a Field Training Officer and he has also served on the Peru Police Emergency Response Team since its creation. Officer Bentley also helps to serve the community to keep children safe as a certified Child Safety Seat Technician. Officer Bentley is also a member of the Peru Fire Department as a Firefighter in his off duty time.
Officer Bentley holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Bentley enjoys spending time with his family and playing games with friends.
Officer Aaron Querciagrossa
Officer Querciagrossa began down the law-enforcement path in 2009 when he was enrolled IVCC’s law-enforcement program. He transferred to Western Illinois University where he would obtain a bachelor’s degree in Law-Enforcement and Justice Administration as well as Computer Science. Officer Querciagrossa began his law-enforcement career in 2013 when he started as a part-time patrolman for the Granville Il. Police Department. In 2014 he was also hired as a part time patrolman for the Village of Ladd Il. Officer Querciagrossa continued to serve on both departments until 2015 when he was hired full time as a patrolman for the Princeton Il. Police Department. In 2016, Officer Querciagrossa was hired as a patrolman for the Peru Il. Police Department where he continues to serve the citizens of Peru to this day.
Officer Brad Jones
Detective Brad Jones graduated form Illinois Valley Community College in 2000 with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2001, Detective Brad Jones began his career with the City of Mendota Police Department as a part-time police officer and 911 dispatcher. In 2003, he was hired as a full-time police officer for the City of Mendota.
Detective Jones joined the Peru Police Department in October of 2007 and served in the patrol division until 2010. It was then that Detective Brad Jones began a 2-year assignment to Trident, a regional drug task force. In 2012, the Peru Police Department formed its first ever in house narcotics unit. This unit was named the Specials Investigations Unit (SIU) and has since its inception Detective Brad Jones has served as the lead detective for the unit. During his tenure, the SIU has seized large quantities of illegal drugs and nearly one million dollars in currency. It has also had a record number of felony drug arrests in our city. Detective Jones also serves as the department has evidence custodian and is a member of the Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) task force.
Officer Josh Theisinger
Officer Josh Theisinger started his law enforcement career as the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Peru in 2015. He began his law enforcement career with the Granville Police Department in September of 2017 and was hired on at the Peru Police Department in the summer of 2017. Officer Theisinger holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Theisinger holds three Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology through Bradley University. Along with being a Patrolman, Officer Theisinger also works as an evidence technician for the PD.
Officer Jeff Paul
Ofc. Jeff Paul started his law enforcement career with the Warrenville Police Department in 2006. He transferred to the Peru Police Department in 2007. He also served part time with Ladd Police for several years. As a Peru Officer, he has served as a certified crisis negotiator, a field training officer for new officers, a co-coordinator for the Youth Diversion Program (formerly Peer Jury), and as a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team. Ofc. Paul studied criminal justice at IVCC and graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. Ofc. Paul additionally serves our community, as a member of the Peru Eagles, is a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Illinois Valley Flying Club. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, swimming, and SCUBA diving.
Officer William Sommer
In 1994, Officer William Sommer started his law enforcement career part-time with the Tonica Police Department. In 1996, Officer Sommer began part-time with the Spring Valley Police Department and then began his full-time law enforcement career as a deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. In June 1998, Office Sommer started full-time with the Spring Valley Police Department and in 2005 was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Officer Sommer was then appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of Police in January 2010 and held that position until he recently retired in December 2019. Officer Sommer was also a lead homicide investigator, certified field training officer, and juvenile officer. Officer Sommer graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career. Officer Sommer has been married to his wife, Amy, since June 1990 and they have two daughters. In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, Officer Sommer enjoys flying. He is a private pilot and a member of the Illinois Valley Flying Club.
Officer Matt Peters
Officer Matthew Peters started his law enforcement career with the Mendota Police Department in 2005 then transferred to the Peru Police Department in January of 2008.
In 2009, Officer Peters was assigned to the position of general case detective in the Investigations division. He served in this position until 2012. In 2014, Officer Peters was assigned to the K-9 Unit and remains in this position. He is paired with a German shepherd dog named Miko. He is a certified pistol and rifle instructor, car seat technician and a certified bicycle officer. He is also a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team that is a specially trained response team deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactics. Officer Peters attended Illinois Valley Community College and served in the Illinois Army National Guard and the United States Army.
Officer Peters loves spending his off time with his wife and enjoys camping, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.
Officer Adam Conness
Officer Adam Conness began his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in 1996. This followed his college education graduating first from Illinois Valley Community College with and associates degree in criminal justice. Officer Conness then transferred to Illinois State University where he obtained not only a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Science but also a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration Officer Conness has spent his entire career assigned to the uniformed patrol division working the overnight shifts.
Sergeant Art Smith
Sergeant Arthur Smith started his law enforcement career in 2002 as a patrol officer with the Peru Police Department. In 2007, he was assigned to the Crime Reduction Team until 2008 when he became part of the Peru Police Department K-9 Unit. He worked proactively and ambitiously with his K-9 partners, assisting with numerous felony drug seizures. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and became the K-9 unit supervisor. He is the operations team leader and member of the Peru Emergency Response Team (PERT). He is a certified firearms instructor and certified field training officer for the department. Sergeant Smith holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the Illinois Valley Community College and has over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement training/education hours during his career. Sergeant Smith loves spending time with his wife, four children, and retired police K-9. He enjoys taking trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and other outdoor activities, such as riding ATVs, rock climbing and fishing.
Sergeant Rick Piscia
Sergeant Rick Piscia graduated in 1994 from Lewis University, Romeoville Illinois with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal and Social Justice. In 1997, he began his law enforcement career as a Patrolman for the Oglesby Police Department. In 2000 he was hired Patrolman for the Peru Police Department. In 2002, Sergeant Piscia was detailed the Illinois State Police Zone 3 LaSalle Task Force (Z3/LTF) now called Trident. After approximately 3½ years of undercover narcotics work, he was reassigned to the patrol division with Peru Police. In 2010, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant where he currently supervises a 6p-6a shift.
Sergeant Scott DeGroot
Sergeant Scott DeGroot started his law enforcement career January 09, 2000, with the Peru Police Department. In August 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant and serves as a shift supervisor in the patrol division. Sergeant Scott DeGroot is a certified crisis negotiator. Sergeant Scott DeGroot was born and raised in the Peru, where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Washington Jr. High School and L-P High School. He then earned an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Valley Community College.
Sergeant Scott DeGroot is married and has three children.
Detective Sergeant Dennis Hocking
Detective Sergeant Dennis Hocking started his law enforcement career in September 1997, with the Peru Police Department in Peru, IL. In March 2000, he was assigned to the Illinois State Police Zone 3 Drug Task Force serving as an undercover narcotic detective until March 2002. In January 2007, he was assigned to the position of general case detective in the Investigations division. In June 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a shift supervisor in the patrol division. In April 2011, he was name d as the Detective Sergeant where he currently serves as the commander of that division. Detective Sergeant Hocking is also the department’s tobacco compliance liaison, a child sex abuse forensic interviewer, and past member of the Peru Emergency Response Team. Detective Sergeant Hocking holds an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Illinois Valley Community College and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career.
Sergeant Ed DeGroot
Sergeant Ed DeGroot Started at the Peru Police Department as a part time 911 dispatcher in November 1990 and was Hired as a full time 911 dispatcher in 1993. Sergeant Ed DeGroot Tested for the position of police officer with the City of Peru and was hired as a patrol officer in December 1995. He was promoted to Sergeant April of 2008. Sergeant Ed DeGroot has an Associate of Science Degree from Illinois Valley Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University and is a Graduate of the Police Training Institute University of Illinois Sergeant Ed DeGroot was a Field Training Officer assisting probationary officers new to the department and is currently the Field Training Program Coordinator. He also maintains the departments Livescan fingerprinting system, provides Quality checks, and sends Livescan fingerprints to Bureau of Identification
Commander Sarah Raymond
Commander Sarah Raymond started her law enforcement career in June of 2004 with the Peru Police Department in Peru Illinois. In May of 2009, she was promoted to sergeant and served as a patrol sergeant until December of 2017 when she was promoted to commander. She is the Commander of the Peru Emergency Response Team that is a specially trained response team deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactics. She is a control tactics certified instructor and a child sex abuse forensic interviewer. She currently teaches women’s self-defense and active shooter trainings in not only the schools but in local businesses as well. Commander Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Olivet Nazarene University and is currently seeking her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in criminal justice. Commander Raymond is the recipient of the Illinois Valley Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year Award for 2008 and Medal of Valor award recipient from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police in 2008. Commander Raymond graduated the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, class #452, in May of 2019. She was the recipient of the Franklin M. Kreml award for leadership, which is voted upon by her peers.
Deputy Chief Pyszka
The Support Services Division is under the command of Deputy Chief Pyszka who is also the second in command for the police department. He joined the Peru Police Department in October of 1990 now having served the City of Peru for nearly 3 decades. He first served as a patrol officer for eleven years. During that time he was assigned several additional duties including field training officer, abandoned vehicle officer, sex offender liaison officer, bike patrol officer and at various times as officer in charge. In November of 2001, he was chosen for a position in the Criminal Investigations Division. During his time in investigations, he was the court liaison officer, evidence custodian, crime scene technician, and lead Fraternal Order of Police liaison. While serving the City of Peru as an investigator, two of the largest burglaries occurred in LaSalle County history. Both cases were solved after a lengthy investigation. On January 1, 2007 then recently appointed Police Chief Douglas Bernabei named Robert Pyszka as the first Deputy Chief of Police in Peru police department history. During the twelve-year tenure as Deputy Chief of Police, he has at various times supervised the Detective Division, Dispatch Center, Patrol Division, and now currently the Support Services Division. The Deputy Chief of Police is currently responsible many duties some of which include technology in the department, training component, grant writing, and coordinating all community events and scheduling. Deputy Chief Pyszka is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He has also graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and has earned a certificate from the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, which was sponsored through Western Illinois University. He has been married to his wife, Lori, for twenty-six years and they have two adult children. In addition to spending time with my family, Bob enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, golfing, and motorcycle riding.
Officers Bios
Officer Sheedy
Officer Sheedy started is law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2019.
Ofc Sheedy is a native of the City of Peru. He attended Peru Public Schools and LaSalle Peru High School. holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University Prior to working with the Peru Police Department, Ofc. Sheedy worked as a Juvenile Detention Officer for McLean County in Bloomington, Illinois. In December of 2019 Officer Sheedy graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and was part of the largest graduating class at SLEA in its twenty-year history. Officer Sheedy has been married since 2018 and his wife Sierra is also an Illinois Valley native. They enjoy spending time with their families and their two dogs.
Officer Mark Credi
Officer Mark Credi began his career in Law Enforcement in 1989 as a 911 telecommunicator with the LaSalle Police Department. Officer Credi went on to become an officer with the Peru Police Department in September of 1997. Since joining the department, Officer Credi has been assigned to the patrol division. Officer Credi is a certified DARE instructor, School Resource Officer, Lead Child Safety Seat Technician, previous coordinator of the Illinois Valley Peer Jury, and currently a co-coordinator of the Peru Police Department Youth Diversion Program. Officer Credi is one of the department’s firearm’s instructors, is a certified Range Safety Officer, and serves as a Field Training Officer for new recruits. Officer Credi is the police department liaison with the Illinois Valley Community Hospital Emergency Medical System, is a certified First Responder, and previously taught CPR for 31 years. Officer Credi is also a state certified Fire Fighter (level II). Officer Credi holds an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Illinois Valley Community College, and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career. Officer Credi has previously received life-saving awards for his use of CPR and an AED. Officer Credi enjoys his volunteer activities for St. Bede Academy, Holy Family School, St. Stephen’s Society, and as a hockey bench coach. Officer Credi and his wife, Ellen, have two sons. He is an avid fisherman, loves watching hockey and baseball, and spending time with his family.
Officer Quartucci
Officer Quartucci joined the Peru Police Department in March 2008. Since then he has been assigned to the uniformed patrol division. Officer Quartucci is a certified child safety seat technician and a certified Taser Instructor for the agency. Officer Quartucci is a graduate of Illinois Valley Community College holding an associate degree in criminal justice. Officer Quartucci enjoys coaching and helping out at his son’s baseball games and loves spending time with his family.
Detective John Atkins
John Atkins started his law enforcement career in 1997 by graduating the basic law enforcement academy at the Community College of Aurora in Colorado. In 1998, he became a patrol officer at Lakeside PD and was the recipient of the 1999 Lakeside PD officer of the year. In 2000, he was hired at the Fort Lupton Police Department and worked as a Patrol Officer, FTO, Detective, and Corporal. He was the recipient of 2001 Fort Lupton officer of the year award. In August 2002, he joined the Peru Police Department and served as a patrol officer, FTO, undercover narcotic agent with ISP and Trident, and is currently assigned to the investigations unit as a Detective. He is a master firearms instructor and master control tactics instructor, Spanish-speaking officer, and teaches women’s self-defense. In 2003, he was awarded the Illinois law enforcement medal of honor. He is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in fire investigations, and has over 1000 hours of continuing education/training.
Officer Jeremiah Brown
Officer Jeremiah Brown began his career as a police officer in 2006 in Plano, Illinois. In June 2008, he transferred to Peru Police Department. In high school, he obtained more than 900 hours of law enforcement training and went on to receive an associate degree from Waubonsee Community college. Officer Jeremiah loves being an officer and has high-energy approach to all aspects of life. If not working, you will find Jeremiah spending time with his kids, at the gym or gun range. Officer Amy SinesOfficer Amy Sines started her law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2003. Since 2004. Officer Sines has been part of the former Illinois Valley Peer Jury Program, now known as the Peru Police Department Youth Diversion Program. She is also part of the Crisis Negotiation team as a certified crisis negotiator, serves a field-training officer for new recruits and most recently is heading up and revitalizing the Dale Charbonneau Memorial Citizens Police Academy. Officer Sines holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University.
Officer Sines
Officer Sines loves spending time with her family and enjoys playing roller derby and volleyball. Officer Ryan KowalczykK-9 Officer Ryan Kowalczyk started his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in September of 2010. In November of 2017 he was appointed to the position of K-9 Officer, paired with his partner, K-9 Saxon. K-9 Officer Kowalczyk is also a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team, which is a specially trained unit, deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactical response.
K-9 Officer Kowalczyk
K-9 Officer Kowalczyk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Aurora University where he graduated Cum Laude. He was also a member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, while enrolled there. When not serving the City of Peru, K-9 Officer Kowalczyk enjoys playing golf, gardening and trips to Disneyworld with his family. Officer Nick BiagioniOfficer Nicholas Biagioni started his law enforcement career part-time with the Spring Valley Police Department in 2005. In 2006 Officer Biagioni began his full-time law enforcement career with Granville Police Department. In May of 2007 Officer Biagioni started with the Peru Police Department. Since 2007.
Officer Biagoni
Officer Biagioni is a juvenile officer, certified child safety seat technician, certified EMT-B, and the departments vehicle maintenance officer. Officer Biagioni has been in the fire service since 2000. He started his career with the Spring Valley Fire Department. Since 2012 Officer Biagioni has been a member of the Peru Fire Department. In 2014, he was promoted to Captain. In May 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Chief. Officer Biagioni holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Biagioni currently serves as Chairman of Human Rights Committee for the Horizon House. In 2017 Officer Biagioni was elected Trustee on the Peru Township Board. In 2015, Officer Biagioni was nominated for the 40 Under Forty Award. Officer Biagioni loves spending time camping, fishing, and working on things in the garage with his family.
Officer Brad Anderson
Officer Brad Anderson started his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in 2015. Officer Anderson holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois Valley Community College. He completed his Police Training at the Police Training Institute in Champaign. Since his initial training, Officer Anderson has completed approximately 400hrs of continuing education. Officer Anderson is also a Firefighter/Paramedic and holds many certifications in both of those fields.
During his time off, Officer Anderson enjoys spending time with his family.
Officer Ben Bentley
Officer Ben Bentley started his law enforcement career as a part time officer in May of 2003 with the Utica Police Department. He also became a part time officer in the City of Mendota and the Village of Cedar Point before becoming a full time officer with the Peru Police Department in July of 2007. In 2013, Officer Bentley assisted in forming the current Taser program at the Peru Police Department and is a current Taser Instructor for the department through Axon (formerly Taser International). Officer Bentley is also a current CPR/AED Instructor for the department and certified as a Basic Emergency Medical Technician. Officer Bentley assists in the training of new officers for the department as a Field Training Officer and he has also served on the Peru Police Emergency Response Team since its creation. Officer Bentley also helps to serve the community to keep children safe as a certified Child Safety Seat Technician. Officer Bentley is also a member of the Peru Fire Department as a Firefighter in his off duty time.
Officer Bentley holds an Associate degree from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Bentley enjoys spending time with his family and playing games with friends.
Officer Aaron Querciagrossa
Officer Querciagrossa began down the law-enforcement path in 2009 when he was enrolled IVCC’s law-enforcement program. He transferred to Western Illinois University where he would obtain a bachelor’s degree in Law-Enforcement and Justice Administration as well as Computer Science. Officer Querciagrossa began his law-enforcement career in 2013 when he started as a part-time patrolman for the Granville Il. Police Department. In 2014 he was also hired as a part time patrolman for the Village of Ladd Il. Officer Querciagrossa continued to serve on both departments until 2015 when he was hired full time as a patrolman for the Princeton Il. Police Department. In 2016, Officer Querciagrossa was hired as a patrolman for the Peru Il. Police Department where he continues to serve the citizens of Peru to this day.
Officer Brad Jones
Detective Brad Jones graduated form Illinois Valley Community College in 2000 with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 2001, Detective Brad Jones began his career with the City of Mendota Police Department as a part-time police officer and 911 dispatcher. In 2003, he was hired as a full-time police officer for the City of Mendota.
Detective Jones joined the Peru Police Department in October of 2007 and served in the patrol division until 2010. It was then that Detective Brad Jones began a 2-year assignment to Trident, a regional drug task force. In 2012, the Peru Police Department formed its first ever in house narcotics unit. This unit was named the Specials Investigations Unit (SIU) and has since its inception Detective Brad Jones has served as the lead detective for the unit. During his tenure, the SIU has seized large quantities of illegal drugs and nearly one million dollars in currency. It has also had a record number of felony drug arrests in our city. Detective Jones also serves as the department has evidence custodian and is a member of the Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) task force.
Officer Josh Theisinger
Officer Josh Theisinger started his law enforcement career as the Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Peru in 2015. He began his law enforcement career with the Granville Police Department in September of 2017 and was hired on at the Peru Police Department in the summer of 2017. Officer Theisinger holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois Valley Community College. Officer Theisinger holds three Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology through Bradley University. Along with being a Patrolman, Officer Theisinger also works as an evidence technician for the PD.
Officer Jeff Paul
Ofc. Jeff Paul started his law enforcement career with the Warrenville Police Department in 2006. He transferred to the Peru Police Department in 2007. He also served part time with Ladd Police for several years. As a Peru Officer, he has served as a certified crisis negotiator, a field training officer for new officers, a co-coordinator for the Youth Diversion Program (formerly Peer Jury), and as a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team. Ofc. Paul studied criminal justice at IVCC and graduated from the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. Ofc. Paul additionally serves our community, as a member of the Peru Eagles, is a Knight of Columbus, and a member of the Illinois Valley Flying Club. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, swimming, and SCUBA diving.
Officer William Sommer
In 1994, Officer William Sommer started his law enforcement career part-time with the Tonica Police Department. In 1996, Officer Sommer began part-time with the Spring Valley Police Department and then began his full-time law enforcement career as a deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. In June 1998, Office Sommer started full-time with the Spring Valley Police Department and in 2005 was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Officer Sommer was then appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of Police in January 2010 and held that position until he recently retired in December 2019. Officer Sommer was also a lead homicide investigator, certified field training officer, and juvenile officer. Officer Sommer graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and has attended over 1000 hours of continuing law enforcement education during his career. Officer Sommer has been married to his wife, Amy, since June 1990 and they have two daughters. In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, Officer Sommer enjoys flying. He is a private pilot and a member of the Illinois Valley Flying Club.
Officer Matt Peters
Officer Matthew Peters started his law enforcement career with the Mendota Police Department in 2005 then transferred to the Peru Police Department in January of 2008.
In 2009, Officer Peters was assigned to the position of general case detective in the Investigations division. He served in this position until 2012. In 2014, Officer Peters was assigned to the K-9 Unit and remains in this position. He is paired with a German shepherd dog named Miko. He is a certified pistol and rifle instructor, car seat technician and a certified bicycle officer. He is also a member of the Peru Emergency Response Team that is a specially trained response team deployed for high-risk search warrants and other call outs requiring specialized tactics. Officer Peters attended Illinois Valley Community College and served in the Illinois Army National Guard and the United States Army.
Officer Peters loves spending his off time with his wife and enjoys camping, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.
Officer Adam Conness
Officer Adam Conness began his law enforcement career with the Peru Police Department in 1996. This followed his college education graduating first from Illinois Valley Community College with and associates degree in criminal justice. Officer Conness then transferred to Illinois State University where he obtained not only a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Science but also a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration Officer Conness has spent his entire career assigned to the uniformed patrol division working the overnight shifts.