By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
PORT ST. LUCIE -- The New Year is looking bright for 11 members of the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
The officers were all promoted recently in a special ceremony. Four sergeants were promoted to the rank of lieutenant and seven officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Family and friends gathered in Port St. Lucie City Hall council chambers to watch their loved ones receive their new ranks.
"We have the pleasure of promoting these officers," said Master Sgt. Frank Sabol, public information officer for the police department. "They will help us continue the tradition of making Port St. Lucie one of the safest cities in Florida."
The ceremony was the culmination of a process that started back in June 2011, when the police department began filling vacant positions with "acting" supervisors.
Of the 11 promoted, five of the officers had the "acting" rank and are currently performing the duties of that rank.
The reorganization of the police department in April 2012 put a hold on any promotions and the police department decided to use an outside agency, Jack Clancy and Associates, to assist in the assessment process of the promotions.
Honored at the promotion ceremony, and receiving the rank of lieutenant, were: Acting Lt. Marc DiMeo, Acting Lt. Kacey Donnell, Acting Lt. Leo Niemczyk and Detective Sgt. Kevan Carmichael.
Officers who received the rank of sergeant at the promotion ceremony were: Acting Sgt. Jesse Inigo, Acting Sgt. Michelle Steele, Detectives Lisa Marie Carrasquillo, Brinton Black and Joseph Norkus, Officer Adrian Caudell and Officer Michael Swanchak.
"These promotions will help stabilize the leadership team within the department," said Master Sgt. Sabol. "And the organization can continue to move forward."