2026 Chairperson's Dinner Program

2026 Chairperson’s Dinner Honoree Congratulations to Summit Police Department Ryan Peters Summitf Police Chief

Chief Ryan Peters grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, and graduated from Toms River High School East before attending Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In 2007, he joined the Summit Police Department, beginning what has now become a nearly two-decade career serving the Summit

community. Throughout his career, Chief Peters has served in numerous operational, instructional, investigative, and leadership roles. He began in the Patrol Bureau and later served as a Firearms Instructor, Active Shooter Response Instructor, and Field Training Officer. After being promoted to Sergeant in 2017, he served as Juvenile Detective Sergeant and Commander of the Community Services Bureau, where he directed the Summit Police Youth Academy, oversaw D.A.R.E. operations, and helped develop educational and community outreach programs addressing cyber safety, bullying, substance abuse, self-defense, and other issues affecting Summit’s youth and families. In 2020, Chief Peters was appointed the department’s Accreditation Manager and led an extensive review and modernization of departmental policies and procedures. His efforts contributed to the Summit Police Department earning accreditation through the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. Promoted to Captain in 2021, Chief Peters commanded the Support Services Division, overseeing the Detective and Community Services Bureaus while also managing numerous administrative, training, internal affairs, school security, recruitment, and public information responsibilities. Chief Peters has also served extensively with the Union County Emergency Response Team and Union County SWAT Team. During his tactical service, he received advanced training in areas including SWAT operations, tactical K-9 operations, mechanical and hydraulic breaching, close-quarters tactics, chemical munitions, and active-shooter response. He participated in more than 100 tactical activations and ultimately earned the designation of Team Leader before transitioning into an administrative role within the organization where he continues to serve. In 2025, Chief Peters was appointed Chief of Police of the Summit Police Department. His leadership philosophy emphasizes professionalism, accountability, advanced training, officer wellness, community engagement, mental health and substance abuse outreach, and ensuring that the department continues to evolve with the needs of the community it serves.