San Francisco Call, Volume 112, Number 79, 18 August 1912 — CHIEF OF POLICE WILSON TO RETIRE [ARTICLE]

CHIEF OF POLICE WILSON TO RETIRE

Captain of Inspectors Walter J. Petersen Is Scheduled for Promotion to Vacancy

OAKLAND. Aug. 17.—0n the return of Captain of Inspectors Walter J. Petersen from his vacation next week, the retirement of Chief of Police Adelbert Wilson will take place, and Petersen will be appointed as head of the Oakland police department. The change was to have been made before Petersen departed, but was postponed at the instance of Commissioner Turner of the department of public health and safety.

Chief of Police Wilson's retirement is due to the demand of his physician that he cease active work. For some time Chief .Wilson has been in poor health and he was compelled, upon medical advice, to relinquish his duties. Since then he has been told that his physical condition makes it imperative that he shall not attempt to resume arduous labors. For more than 40 years Chief Wilson has been a member of the Oakland police department, rising from patrolman to the head of the force. During that long period of service he has won an unblemished record and holds a high place in the esteem of the people of the city for his efficiency and integrity. Chief Wilson will be retired by the city council, sifting as a board of police and fire department pension commissioners. He will receive half of his present salary of $3,300 for the remainder of his life. Captain Petersen, who has been acting chief of police, will bring to his new position a keen understanding of the many problems of police administration. He also calls for nothing but' the strictest application of .high standards of efficiency and honesty in the department, and he has demonstrated during 16 years of service his own faithful adherence to personal and official integrity.