07/30/2026
🚔 Officer Spotlight: Jamie Petersen 🚔
We’re excited to introduce another member of our team, Officer Jamie Petersen!
Jamie completed his field training a few months ago and has quickly proven himself to be a great addition to our department. He brings a strong work ethic, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to the people he serves. Whether he’s handling a difficult call, working alongside his fellow officers, or simply talking with members of the community, Jamie approaches the job with professionalism, patience, and a positive attitude.
Beyond being a solid police officer, Jamie is just a great person to have on the team. He’s dependable, hardworking, easy to work with, and always willing to step up when he’s needed. We’re proud of the officer he’s become and look forward to watching him continue to grow throughout his career.
We asked Jamie a few questions so our community could get to know the person behind the badge a little better. Keep reading to learn more about Officer Petersen!
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“I grew up in Hermiston playing sports and having fun in the sun. My next stop after graduating from high school was Corvallis for college. While attending college, I took a job in the hospitality industry to support myself through that process. Working in restaurants exposed me to the world of wine. I developed a keen interest in the dynamic of applying book-learned knowledge to the sensory experience in a glass, and how that could enhance meals at a shared dinner table. As I explored all things wine, door after door continued to open in that field. I enjoyed a 15+ year career in that industry which allowed me to travel the world, experience different cultures, and meet a lot of great people. These days, I am enjoying this new chapter of Law Enforcement. While not working, I have a family that keeps me busy and enjoy watching sports and reading.”
Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
“While I am typically a staunch advocate of traditionalism with cuisine, I’ve never understood this debate. Tomatoes are fruits (unless you want to bend the rules) as are olives. So, is the rub that pineapples are sweet? A drizzle of balsamic adds sweetness too and nobody balks at that. I say pineapple stays.”
Favorite thing about St. Helens?
“I love that we are able to enjoy living in a small-town atmosphere while still having access to the amenities a larger city offers by hopping in the car for 40 minutes.”
Favorite thing about the job?
“I love feeling like what I do can make a difference. Coming from the world of sales, there was always immense pressure to daily affect outcomes that had no moral significance. As a Police Officer in this community, I believe that my daily outputs can positively impact the place where your, and my, families live.”
Favorite hobby outside of work?
“I enjoy exercise, being outdoors, and hanging with my family. I am also a big nerd and love reading – like, really love reading.”
Interesting thing about me?
“I have two metal plates and seven screws in my face. I took a baseball to the face when I was twelve and fractured my eye socket. I had nine screws initially, but two were removed with my wisdom teeth because as I got bigger and my skull grew, those two had started to puncture a sinus cavity.”
Favorite crime to investigate?
“Good question. I am still getting a feel for preferences there. However, I do love trying to find somebody that is evading/trying to get away. I think it’s partly the thrill of the chase, but also trying to put myself in their head and figure out where they would run to. How far could they run before having to go to ground? What would be the best hiding spots if they did ? All those factors while the clock is ticking. “
