Beth Burger, Chattanooga Times Free Press | Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A total of 20 officers with the Chattanooga Police Department rose through the ranks of the 458-member department last week.

Openings became available after many officers retired in the past year. As a result, about 200 officers went through the promotion process to climb the ranks, said Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd.

In the latest round of promotions, two were promoted to captain, eight to lieutenant and 10 to sergeant. Minorities were well represented in the group with five black officers and three female officers.

"They're the future of the department," Dodd said of the group. "I think the department will be in very capable hands."

Sergeants had to take a written exam and respond to scenarios in front of a panel compiled by an outside promotional processing company, Morris and McDaniel, he said. Lieutenants and captains were interviewed by Dodd and had to submit resumes detailing their accomplishments and work experiences.

The following officers were promoted: Capt. Eric Tucker, Capt. Nealie Hogg, Lt. Jerri Weary, Lt. Pedro Bacon, Lt. Jason Irvin, Lt. Ponda Foster, Lt. Scott Fulgham, Lt. Todd Royval, Lt. Glenn Scruggs, Lt. Darrell Whitfield, Sgt. Timothy Tomisek, Sgt. Daniel Jones, Sgt. Joseph Carpenter, Sgt. James Franklin, Sgt. Marvin Scott Crider, Sgt. Russell Morrison, Sgt. Michael Wenger, Sgt. William Campbell, Sgt. Traci May and Sgt. Damon Davidson.