The V.I. Police Department celebrated the promotion of new Police Sergeants in two ceremonies this week. The events marked a notable advancement for several officers and detectives in the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix Districts.
On Tuesday, the R.H. Amphlett Leader Justice Center in St. Croix hosted the swearing-in ceremony for the St. Croix District's newly promoted Police Sergeants. Presiding over the ceremony was Judge Yvette Ross-Edwards.
The following day, a similar ceremony took place at the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center in St. Thomas, conducted by Judge Debra Watlington.
The list of officers promoted to Police Sergeant in St. Croix includes Cadre Emanuel Morales, Jr., Detective Moses President, Detective Melissa Banuelos, Detective Aisha Jules, and Officer Danisha Samuel-Santos.
In St. Thomas, the newly promoted Police Sergeants are Cadre Shawell Turnbull-Greenaway, Detective Jamaal Fleming, Detective Tamia Freeman, Officer James Dowe, Jr., Officer Vernon Carr, and Detective Chanise Potter.
During the ceremonies, Police Commissioner Ray A. Martinez addressed the VIPD staff, family members, and well-wishers of the newly promoted Sergeants. He expressed his full confidence in the capabilities of the promoted officers and detectives. Emphasizing the significance of the new role, Mr. Martinez noted, “Sergeants are the backbone of management and can at times feel like a heavy toll. It is no longer about the physical aspect of leaving your shift and returning the next day, it is now important that you understand you are now responsible for making sure everyone makes it home to be able to serve our community another day.”
The commissioner further commended his officers, stating, “My Officers are second to none and I stand on that knowing these Sergeants are going to do extremely well.”
The promotions signify a step forward in these law enforcement officers' careers and a commitment to serving the community with increased responsibility and leadership.
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