KENOSHA, Wis. — Detective Pete Deates was celebrated today at the Kenosha Police Department, where dignitaries, judges, attorneys, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor one of the city’s most respected and admired officers as he prepares to retire at the end of the year. Deates, who was hired on September 3, 2002, promoted to detective on February 1, 2011, and will officially retire on December 31, 2025, was met with emotional applause, heartfelt speeches, and even a surprise phone call from a member of Congress.

The celebration also recognized Iris, Deates’s electronic-detection K-9, who is retiring alongside him. Iris became a critical addition to the ICAC team, using her specialized training to detect hidden electronic devices—phones, SD cards, thumb drives, and other media that offenders try to conceal. Her work strengthened investigations and led to key evidence recoveries that would have been nearly impossible without her. Officers noted, however, that the ICAC unit itself exists because of Deates, who personally started the team and built it into one of the department’s most important tools for protecting children in the digital world.

Guests filled the room—including Deates’s only granddaughter and news of a second grandchild on the way—as ice cream cake, laughter, and stories marked the retirement of a detective whose name has become synonymous with compassion, service, and relentless advocacy for vulnerable victims. The ICAC unit he founded has earned recognition across Wisconsin for catching online predators and rescuing endangered children hidden “in the digital shadows.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers highlighted his professional legacy and the deep respect he earned across Kenosha’s legal and civic community. Mayor David Bogdala—who first sought Deates’s advice nearly 20 years ago when running for alderman—praised his honesty, guidance, and steady friendship. Bogdala noted the attendance of judges, former city employees, retirees, and even a retired fire chief, calling it a reflection of Deates’s broad influence and character.

Police Chief Patrick Patton emphasized Deates’s long leadership tenure, including nearly 20 percent of the entire history of the officers’ association. Patton recalled that officers often turned to Deates when facing difficult decisions—not because he claimed to have all the answers, but because he listened and helped them figure out the right path. “You solved people’s problems, not only in our community, but here in the building,” Patton said.

Patton also spoke personally, noting that Deates’s most meaningful role wasn’t detective, union president, or ICAC founder—it was friend. He told the crowd that Deates had been someone he relied on, someone he trusted, and someone whose friendship he deeply valued, a sentiment that drew warm applause from the room.

Retired Detective James Kendall presented Deates with his retirement badge and described him as a steady, loyal president who listened without judgment, fought for those who needed support, and built lasting connections throughout the community. “Pete became a pillar of the community,” Kendall said.

The ceremony’s biggest surprise came when Congressman Bryan Steil called in live. Steil announced that a flag had been flown over the United States Capitol in Deates’s honor and thanked him for the years he spent waking up, putting a badge over his heart, and answering unpredictable and often dangerous calls. “You made the community safer,” Steil said. “Congratulations on your retirement. You’ve been a great friend.”

When Deates spoke, he reflected on leaving the health-club business at age 30 to pursue law enforcement—a leap he now considers one of the best decisions of his life. He talked about the people he met, the opportunities the job provided, and the lifelong friendships formed along the way. In recent years, he said, people kept asking him what he thought his legacy would be. Gesturing toward the packed room, he simply replied, “This is my legacy right here.”

As both Deates and Iris enter retirement, their departure closes a defining chapter at the Kenosha Police Department. Deates built the ICAC unit from the ground up, setting a foundation that will continue protecting children for years to come. Iris strengthened that work with her unparalleled detection abilities. Together, they reshaped how the department combats online crimes against children. Judging from today’s celebration, the city they served so faithfully will feel their absence—yet their impact will endure long after they step away from the badge and leash.