Russell Lee Peterson Jr

End of Watch : March 24, 1998

Department: Las Vegas Metropolitan, Nevada, P.D.
End of Watch: March
Officer Russell L. Peterson joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on April 17, 1990. He
served approximately six years in Patrol, Training, and the Gang Unit before transferring to Search &
Rescue in May 1996.
On the afternoon of March 24, 1998, Officer Peterson and a volunteer were on a training exercise at Mt.
Charleston. While Officer Peterson was belaying the volunteer on an ice climb on a frozen waterfall, a
large piece of ice broke loose from high on the mountain.
The ice narrowly missed the volunteer before hitting Officer Peterson, killing him instantly. Officer
Peterson died one day before celebrating his 40th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Lesa.

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