SAVANNAH, GA (February 13, 2012): The appointment of two majors and promotions of five captains has led to significant reassignments within the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
“Our policing approach has been successful and we have been able to continue to reduce our crime numbers through the dedicated work of our command staff and our officers,” said Chief Lovett. “But we must continue to hone our skills to continue this trend.
“Putting fresh eyes and ideas to work has been successful in the past and many of these officers have proven they are ready for bigger challenges. The idea is to continue to make this an even better police department.”
Major Larry Branson and Major Richard Zapal, appointed during the promotion ceremony last Friday, have been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol South.
Branson takes command of the entire investigation division, including Homicide, Robbery, Financial Crimes, Special Victims, Property & Evidence, Pawn Shop and Forensics units.
Zapal is now responsible for the West Chatham, Southside and Islands precincts as well as the afternoon commander, newly promoted Captain Cedric Philips, who is responsible for all precincts in the late afternoon and early mornings.
Major Julie Tolbert, who remains in command of the entire department when Chief Willie Lovett is absent, will continue to oversee Patrol North, including the Downtown and Central precincts, Special Duty, Alcoholic Beverage Control and Extra Duty, and the Mobile Field Force.
All special operations units have been moved from the Patrol majors to the oversight of newly promoted Capt. Terry Shoop. He now oversees Traffic, Animal Control, Canine, Mounted Patrol, Marine Patrol, Dive Team, Aviation, Honor Guard, Special Weapons and Tactics, Bomb and the Hostage Negotiation Team.
Three precincts were assigned new commanders: The West Chatham Precinct is now under the command of newly promoted Capt. Philip Reilley. Central Precinct is now commanded by newly promoted Capt. DeVonn Adams. And Southside Precinct is now under the command of newly promoted Capt. Carl Ramey.
Former Central Precinct commander Capt. Ben Herron has been assigned command of the Office of Professional Standards. And the temporary assignment of Capt. Henry Wiley to the Savannah Area Regional Intelligence Center has been made permanent.
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