July 31, 2008 — In what officials called a long-overdue ceremony, the V.I. Police Department promoted 13 of its finest Thursday as family, friends and the territory's top leaders looked on.
Arlene Chalwell, who works in the NCIC unit and serves as the territory's latent fingerprint examiner, was promoted from detective to sergeant. She has worked in the department for 15 years and wanted to do police work since childhood, recalled her aunt, Mavis Dale.
"She's very positive in her thinking and her actions," the beaming aunt said. "Whatever she wants to do, she'll go after and she will succeed — I saw this from an early age."
The promotions were celebrated in the courtroom of Judge Brenda J. Hollar, who administered the oath of office to the officers at the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex.
Speeches from Police Commissioner James H. McCall, Gov. John deJongh Jr., Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis and Senate President Usie R. Richards admonished the newly promoted leaders to discharge their duties with integrity and to groom those they supervise for leadership positions.
Several of the speeches also talked about the need to raise morale within the department.
The promotions "should boost morale and give other officers hope that they will be promoted," said St. John Deputy Chief Darren M. Foy in an interview following the ceremony.
Many of the speeches alluded to the time that has passed since the last round of promotions.
"This promotion was way overdue," said St. Thomas-St. John-Water Island District Police Chief Rodney F. Querrard. "We haven't had a captain for years."
The attendance by the territory's leaders "shows the commitment and support" for the department and the promotions, said St. Croix Police Chief Oakland Benta.
Officers promoted Thursday:
From lieutenant to captain: Augustin Brin, commander, and Enrique Saldana, commander.
From sergeant to lieutenant: Milton A. Petersen, senior watch commander; Sylvia Felix-Penn; and Alva Chesterfield.
From corporal to sergeant: Mervin Ford, Roselyn Bedminster and Lionel Bess.
From detective to sergeant: Diana Brown and Arlene Chalwell.
From police officer to sergeant: Mario Brooks, Linda Raymond and Aaron Krigger.
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