How Elpidio “Pete” Jeter got here…
I’ve always felt a strong calling to protect others. That passion led me to serve in the U.S. Air Force as a young man. After honorably completing my Air Force service, I continued protecting my community as a reserve police officer while also pursuing my full-time career as a Physical Security Specialist for the U.S. Department of Energy. I worked my way up to eventually become selected as the Chief Security Officer for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). At BPA, I was responsible for safeguarding the largest electrical power grid in the Pacific Northwest in partnership with local, state and other federal agencies.
Today, you’ll find me using my unique skills, training and experience consulting with schools, churches, and businesses on how to protect people and property from physical security hazards. My personal motto is: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that” (Martin Luther King Jr.) Being a courageous protector in real life means you have a plan to keep the darkness away. That calling to be a ‘courageous protector’ led me to found Elpidius in 2017.
After several successful years of running Elpidius, I’m using my skills and experience to consult with schools, houses of worship, businesses, non-profit organizations, and commercial property developers on how to protect people and property from physical security hazards.
My name, Elpidio, is pretty distinctive. It isn’t one of the names you will find on a top ten baby name list. Elpidio comes from the Greek word ἐλπίς, or elpis which means “expectation or “hope”. Obstacles in life happen. Problems arise. Hope means you have the will, path, confidence and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Elpidius is the Latinized form of my name; this became the perfect name for my business.
I am on the side of hope.
Every step in my career has been approached with hope -- the will to protect and the vision and strategies to make it happen. It is my core belief that safety, security, and emergency preparedness are essential for a healthy and productive environment. Let me put my experience to work for you and your organization so that you can be confident and ready.
Experience and Qualifications
Elpidio A. (“Pete”) Jeter
As Chief Security Officer for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in Portland, Oregon I ensured that BPA’s power grid, admin headquarters and facilities was secured protected and prepared.
That meant that I made sure that over 3500 employees, contractors and visitors were safe everyday. I oversaw the physical security assessments and enhancements for all of BPA’s property covering over 300,000 square miles.
It also meant that I worked collaboratively with many local, state, and federal agencies as well as the Canadian government to make sure that one of the United States most critical energy infrastructure was secure, protected, and prepared.
I have also been a reserve police officer for Gresham and Vancouver Police Departments. Previously, I volunteered as Director of Safety and Security at houses of worship as a way of giving back.
Today, I provide consulting services to public school districts, businesses, and non-profits to improve and enhance safety, security, and emergency preparedness. Additionally, my years of experience in building relationships with various emergency responders helps me effectively build similar partnerships with police, fire, and other departments on behalf of my clients.
Certifications
Trained in advanced risk assessment by Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); completed courses with Homeland Security, DOE’s Central Training Academy, and FEMA; received anti-terrorism training with federal, state, and local law enforcement; certified School Shield Security Assessor; basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) certification from the National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP); former public-sector security executive; graduated from Multnomah County and Clark County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Academies.
At Elpidius, we take pride in serving the diverse school districts, businesses, and communities of East Multnomah County with dedication and professionalism. Our deep local knowledge and commitment ensure tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of this vibrant region.
Beyond the Portland-Vancouver metro area, we extend our expertise remotely to serve communities and organizations, no matter their location. This flexibility allows us to maintain consistent quality and personalized support, helping you achieve your goals efficiently.
Partner with Elpidius to experience a trusted service provider who values your community as much as you do, delivering reliable results that drive success.