Columbia, SC

Mr. Pete Frommer serves as the Director of the Aiken Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Aiken, South Carolina, which serves as the city’s fire and police department. He has served in the department for over 36 years, and has been Director since 1999. Mr. Frommer, a native of Aiken began his career as a volunteer fire fighter in 1970. He is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy.

Maintaining a progressive vision for the DPS, Mr. Frommer is constantly seeking opportunities to improve community outreach and to improve safety, as well as to increase opportunities for his officers and firefighters. Some of the outreach programs that he has initiated include take-home patrol cars, laptops in patrol cars, mounted patrols, and youth education and recreation.

In 2006, Aiken DPS was named as a flagship agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In August 2008, Aiken DPS completed a certification program to ensure that every police officer was certified as a first responder. No other department in South Carolina has instituted such a requirement.

He continues to encourage police officers to coach youth teams and interact with youth on the street. In July 2008, through the efforts of the Police Athletic League (PAL), a youth rally was hosted that attracted over 100 young people. This was an effort to allow the youth of Aiken to discuss potential problems and voice concerns.

Mr. Frommer contributes to the Carolina Command College which is jointly run by the Columbia and Charlotte Divisions. When it is in Aiken, Mr. Frommer personally ensures that southern hospitality is displayed throughout the training. He continues to be a friend and supporter of the FBI, especially the Columbia Division.