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R.I.P. Rod Petersen

S

Steve620

Sad news to report. Former KTAR police reporter Rod Petersen passed away this morning. He was hired by Al McCoy at KRUX in the 1960's. He joined KTAR in 1973 and stayed there until the late 90's. He was among the first on the scene to report on the car bombing of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles.

Rod had a unique style not found today. He always liked what he called "the nickle news." They weren't the biggest stories, but they were the ones you remember. When I first arrived in the Valley, Rod helped me out with his contacts and became a good friend.

He was a lot of fun to be around and never failed to make me laugh. Rest in peace Rod. You made radio better for all of us. Arrangements are pending. Steve Clawson
 
So sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. I was fortunate enough to work with Rod at KRUX, KTAR, and KFYI. Rod was truly one of a kind – and a really great guy. On KRUX, back in the day, he used to have a Saturday morning newscast that contained only “good news” (heart-wamers and kickers). I remember him telling us that the proper pronunciation of the word “news” requires that you “wrinkle your nose” when you say it. He was so popular as a reporter on the downtown “Police Beat” that the Phoenix PD cops retired his KTAR windbreaker jacket in their Phoenix Police Museum. Rod will live on in our hearts and memories forever. God bless him.
 
Can you imagine how valuable Rod Peterson would be right now, reporting on all of the controversy currently surrounding the Phoenix police department? He would have been all over this story. I remember as a kid listening to Rod Peterson on KRUX, and loved hearing him all those years on KTAR. He is sorely missed.
 
Rod's wife Shirley told me that there will be a memorial service celebrating Rod's life and career at 11am on Tuesday April 19th at the Veterans National Cemetary (the 101 at Cave Creek).
 
I am so sorry I missed this news... Rod was a one of a kind!!

I worked with him at KTAR until 1993. As the morning news editor, Rod would call me with story updates... many had to be toned down...people were still eating breakfast!!

The best was the day he involved himself in a police chase of a guy you had ripped off a fast food place late at night, who then proceeded to allude the police by car-jacking cars until early morning. It was still dark and the police found the guy driving down Central Ave. When it all came to an end...police cars, helicopters...with a crash... Rod jumped out of the news car, and continued to report on the situation while running down Central!! We were worried... not that he would get caught up in the apprehension of the car-jacker...but that he would have a heart attack while running down the street!!

He was one of a kind... and I still tell Rod Peterson stories nearly 20 years later!!
 
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