Collinsville PD recognizes Lt. Jeremias on his retirement after 28 years of service

By Randy Pierce
Reporter • Retired Collinsville Police Department Lieutenant Wilbert “Bud” Jeremias has been recognized upon the conclusion of an illustrious law enforcement career that totaled 28 years.

After serving in a patrol capacity in East St. Louis from 1998 to October 2005, Jeremias joined the Collinsville Police Department, first with similar responsibilities and, since then, working as a canine handler, detective and field training officer, teaching and orienting new hires while out on the streets of the city.

He additionally was an instructor for the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, where he shared his knowledge and experience with students who were pursuing careers in law enforcement. Moving up through the ranks during his time in Collinsville, Jeremias was a patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol lieutenant and investigations lieutenant while also having served on the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad, a regional group that would respond to serious crimes such as murders, where he advanced to the position of deputy commander.

His devotion to police duty additionally included service on the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and the region’s Child Death Investigation Task Force. In 2012, he was selected as the Officer of the Year in the Collinsville Police Department. 

“We thank Bud for his dedicated service to the Collinsville Police Department,” Chief Brett Boerm said. “Your efforts will live on throughout our department and community.”