There was standing room only in the Community Room at the police station as proud family members crowded in to see their loved ones promoted. The father of one said he drove 350 miles that day for the ceremony. Children holding digital cameras scrambled around the room to get good shots, and a baby clapped enthusiastically at times when the rest of the crowd was quiet.

Lt. Ernest Vitarbo was promoted to captain, and Sgts. Michael King, Timothy Murphy and David Wrinn to lieutenant. Officers Praveen John and Shawn Wong Won and Detectives Brian Cunningham, Marc Lepore and Thomas Roncinske are now sergeants, and Officers Terrence Blake, Melissa Lepore, James Saraceni and James Thompson are detectives.

Police Chief Harry Rilling said the promotions are a proactive response to the upcoming retirement and departure of numerous others from the force. Making the promotions now gives the recipients time for sufficient training and preparation before their predecessors leave, Rilling said.

Rilling also gave a word of advice to some of the recipients regarding their new responsibilities. Addressing those with the rank of sergeant and above, he said, "You may think that those below you work for you, but really you work for them." It is the responsibility of the higher ranked officers to provide guidance and support for those below, he said.