John Atkins started his law enforcement career in 1997 by graduating the basic law enforcement academy at the Community College of Aurora in Colorado.
In 1998, he became a patrol officer at Lakeside PD and was the recipient of the 1999 Lakeside PD officer of the year.
In 2000, he was hired at the Fort Lupton Police Department and worked as a Patrol Officer, FTO, Detective, and Corporal. He was the recipient of 2001 Fort Lupton officer of the year award.
In August 2002, he joined the Peru Police Department and served as a patrol officer, FTO, undercover narcotic agent with ISP and Trident, and is currently assigned to the investigations unit as a Detective. He is a master firearms instructor and master control tactics instructor, Spanish-speaking officer, and teaches women’s self-defense. In 2003, he was awarded the Illinois law enforcement medal of honor. He is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in fire investigations, and has over 1000 hours of continuing education/training.
