Twenty-one police officer promotions ‘good for morale’ says chief

Twenty-one Columbus police officers received promotions Tuesday in two separate ceremonies at the Public Safety Building, including two lieutenants promoted to captain, each with more than 30 years of experience.

“It’s a fairly substantial event for the department,” said CPD Chief Ricky Boren. “When we can promote 21 officers, it’s good for morale.”

Family members pinned new badges on each officer after Boren read a resume´ of their service and accomplishments in the department.

“The Columbus Police Department is a family,” Boren continued. “What else they realize, once they come into this department, is every citizen in Columbus, Georgia, is now your family member. And we take care of them that way, as family members.”

Officers promoted to captain: Lt. Herman Miles and Lt. Thomas C. Dent.

“I remember a lieutenant I used to have in major crimes years ago, he used to tell me all the time, ‘Whatever assignment you get, make it better than it was when you found it,’ and that is what I have tried to do throughout the years, and that will be my promise, my intention and my hope for what I do with this assignment that I have now,” said Miles, who will be the second in charge in the Bureau of Investigative Services.

Officers promoted to lieutenant: Sgt. Anthony Locey and Sgt. Wendy Holland.

Officer appointed to command sergeant: Sgt. Dechon Grant.

Officers promoted to sergeant: Cpl. Donna Baker, Cpl. Jacob Cook, Cpl. William Norris, Cpl. Stephen Reynolds, Cpl. David Webb.

Officers promoted to corporal: Officer 1st Class Benjamin Brady, Officer 1st Class Christopher Caldwell, Officer 1st Class Leann Cortes, Officer Andrew Fairbanks, Officer Victor Ortega, Officer 1st Class Merri Parish, Officer William Peterson, Officer 1st Class William Ragland, Officer David Rogers, Officer Ryan Vardman and Officer 1st Class Jerry Yarbrough.