John Peek named Oakland police chief

The Oakland Police Department veteran began his new role Jan 4.

By Amy Quesinberry
| 1:45 p.m. January 6, 2020

West Orange Times & Observer
News

The town of Oakland’s new police chief, John Peek, said he is ready to continue making a difference in the small West Orange County municipality.

“Because Oakland is small, we can actually see the difference we are making,” Chief Peek said. “As opposed to my previous experiences, here in Oakland, you are able to see the positive effects and it is very self-satisfying.”

Peek was hired as a reserve officer with the Oakland Police Department in 2006. He accepted the position vacated by former Chief Steve Thomas, who retired Friday, 3. Thomas served the town for nine years and retired after 40 years in law enforcement.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.