Eugene Cervus

Eugene Cervus was a property developer in and Mayor of San Atanasio when the identity of the South Bay Strangler was discovered. His father had previously been mayor of the town and his younger brother currently was on city council. Cervus met with Lt. Colin Ferguson, the local PD officer in charge of the Strangler case prior to Ferguson meeting the press. He discussed ways of minimizing embarrassment to the city and the department and floated the idea of appointing Ferguson as the new Police Chief replacing the deceased Mike Pitcavage.

After the fuss from the case had settled down, Cervus followed up with Ferguson who refused the appointment of Chief. Ferguson bluntly said he didn't have the political skills the job required, indirectly proving his point. Cervus wasn't used to taking no for an answer, so tried to pressure Ferguson by threatening his future with the department. Ferguson scoffed at this and threatened, in turn, with a wrongful dismissal lawsuit if he was forced out. Cervus backed down and listened to Ferguson's suggestion that he appoint Captain Miyoshi on an interim basis. Cervus did so until Malik Williams was appointed on a permanent basis. He also saw to it that Ferguson was promoted to Captain.

When Captain Ferguson eventually retired from the police department, Cervus was the master of ceremonies for the reception in his honor and spoke well of his contributions to the department. He also made his parking space at City Hall available for Ferguson at the reception.