Police department, new chief mark key advancements
By Michael Naughton
Publication: The Day
01/09/2010 12:00 AM
New London - The department's first female police chief promoted seven officers Friday, some of whom were making history in their own right.
Among those honored during the largest promotion ceremony in the department's history were the first deputy police chief in five years, the first black lieutenant in department history and the first female patrol sergeant in nearly four years.
Brian Wright, who became the highest-ranking black officer in department history when he was named lieutenant during the ceremony, said he was grateful for the path forged for him by previous black officers.
"It's a positive message for the direction the department is going," he said after taking pictures with his children and siblings after the ceremony. "It should also be a message to everyone in the community, especially the youth … that it's possible to have a job in the police department and rise in the ranks."
Kristy Christina, who was promoted from officer to sergeant, became the first female patrol sergeant in nearly four years.
"For the most part it's a nice thing to see in the department," she said. "As for the other officers in the department, we're a big family, and it shouldn't have a big impact on my brother and sister officers."
The ceremony, which took place in the more than 300-seat Jordan C. Evans Hall at Connecticut College, was held there because police officials anticipated a large crowd. The expected show of support from family, friends and city residents materialized, as people filled nearly all the seats in the hall.
City councilors thanked the officers for their service, and state Rep. Ernest Hewett and state Sen. Andrea Stillman gave the officers citations from the legislature.
The officers, wearing their dress uniforms, entered the hall behind the department's color guard. They stood at attention for more than an hour while husbands, wives, parents and children pinned badges on them.
Marshall "Chip" Segar, who became the department's first deputy chief in nearly five years, said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the public in that role.
"It's overwhelming," Segar said, adding that he hopes to "take the deputy chief position and the department to a new level."
While addressing the promoted officers, Chief Margaret Ackley told them that they each had a purpose.
"You are not here by mistake. You are here today because you are deserving," Ackley said.
The promotions were part of Ackley's plan to rebuild her supervisory staff. Last month, the City Council approved Ackley's request to fill the deputy chief position and promote other officers.
Although some of the promotions are important firsts for the department, she said the seven officers were "the best of the best."
"They've proven themselves in every aspect of law enforcement," she said. "They've stepped up to the plate, and they will be very successful."