LPD promotes five officers and swears in one

Laurel, Miss. - The Laurel Police Department promoted several individuals to marquee positions Thursday at city hall.

Police Chief, Tyrone Stewart said, "With these promotions and also the swearing in of officer Dawn Garcia, we are adding another officer to the force and we have five force promotions from sergeant all the way up to lieutenant and anytime you can present that many force promotions...I'm very excited for these officers. We have as far as a total of promotions, the years of service and experience, close to 100 years."

Lieutenant Earl Reed said, "I got promoted to sergeant in 2010 and today I was promoted to lieutenant. It means a great deal for the simple fact that you know so many things going on today with police officers and we have to just do what we have to do to survive each day."

Officer Dawn Garcia said, "Having my family support is awesome, because in a field like this, you really need support from your family."

Chief Stewart said this is one of the largest promotions at a single time the police department has done and is excited for the officers and their families.