THE HONORABLE PETER I. BREEN

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THE HONORABLE PETER I. BREEN

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE PETER I. BREEN

______

HON. JON C. PORTER

of nevada

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter I. Breen for his service as a District Court Judge in the great State of Nevada.

Peter was born in Reno, Nevada, November 8, 1939. His mother, Gwendolyn (Ingram), was born in Sparks, Nevada, in 1908. His father, Peter, was born in Eureka, Nevada, in 1901, was District Judge of the Fifth Judicial District from 1956 to 1967. His grandfather, Peter Breen, was District Judge of the Third Judicial District from 1901- 1923.

Peter was raised and educated in Goldfield and Tonopah, Nevada, where he graduated from Tonopah High School in 1956. He graduated from the University of Nevada in 1960 and the University of Santa Clara Law School in 1963.

Peter practiced law both in Reno and Carson City from 1963 to 1973. From 1967 to 1970 he served as Deputy Attorney General. Following that, he was a partner with Emerson J. Wilson in the firm of Wilson and Breen, Ltd. at the time of his appointment to the bench. Governor O'Callaghan made his appointment to fill the newly created Department Seven effective January 2, 1974. Peter has been elected six times to the post without opposition.

The Washoe County Courthouse Historical and Preservation Society was formed in June 1999 by Peter for the purpose of restoration and preservation of the historical courthouse and its history. The Society instituted the Flag Day Celebration in 2000 and holiday lighting of the courthouse, and they have become popular traditions. Peter continues to serve as the Society's President. A commemoration of the recently restored historical courtroom is to occur in 2006.

On July 1, 1999, Peter instituted a Probate Court in the District Court and presides over its operation.

Peter instituted the Washoe County Adult Drug Court on July 1, 1995. He also created and presides over a Diversion Court for criminal offenders whose crimes are attributable to drug addiction or alcoholism. He has participated at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, and National Association of Drug Court Professionals in several programs concerning the Drug Court movement. In November 2001, he established the first Mental Health Court in Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Honorable Peter I. Breen on the floor of the House today.