SAVANNAH, GA (May 2, 2022) – Today, the Savannah Police Department gathered to celebrate the promotion and graduation of officers at a ceremony at the Savannah Police Department’s Professional Development Center.
Eight officers were officially inducted into the Savannah Police Department and ceremoniously pinned with their official SPD badge by a loved one.
The new officers have completed 11 weeks of state-mandated training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and an additional four weeks of specialized training at SPD’s Patrol School. Their loved ones took turns on the stage pinning their SPD badges on their chest for the first time.
Before the official induction, Chief Minter recognized four military veterans and four new SPD officers who had prior law enforcement experience. He went on to speak to the graduates saying, “We have and will continue to provide you with the training, equipment and support that you all need.” Chief Minter also spoke to the promotees saying, “To our new leaders, please keep three key leadership traits in mind. The first is self-development, keep growing and developing as leaders, the second is team development, help your team continue to grow and develop, and third is strategic thinking, always look for the best and most strategic route to take to get the outcomes that exceed the expectations of the department, and the community we serve.”
In addition, SPD, City leadership, family and friends celebrated the promotions of now Captain David Barefield, Lieutenant Eric Smith, Sgt. Marilyn Anderson, Sgt. Chester Balmer, Sgt. Odarie Gibbs, Sgt. James Lyttle and Sgt. Chrisovaladis Petrou.
PROMOTIONS:
- Captain David Barefield
- Lieutenant Eric Smith
- Sgt. Marilyn Anderson
- Sgt. Chester Balmer
- Sgt. Odarie Gibbs
- Sgt. James Lyttle
- Sgt. Chrisovaladis Petrou.
GRADUATES:
- Krystal Aponte
- Sarah Bilek
- Andrew Champigny
- Willie Dismuke
- Chandler Ely
- Kamron Taylor
- Gary Van Bramer
- Emily Krauel