St. Clair Shores Police Promote Four Officers

St. Clair Shores Police Wednesday promoted four officers - including the department's first female command officer - during a ceremony in .

Two sergeants were promoted to lieutenants, and two officers promoted to sergeants, during the promotions.

These changes came about after City Council approved an  in 2011 for members of the St. Clair Shores Command Officers Association.

Since program was approved the department has experienced a "massive" change with five of the six new to the position, and nine of the 10 sergeants are also new. St. Clair Shores also welcomed 10 new patrol officers.

"There was a concern with the early retirement incentive that was offered that all this experience would be walking out the door," St. Clair Shores Police Chief Michael Walleman. "We are a very deep department. We have many qualified individuals that are more than capable of ascending to the higher ranks and taking the department into the future."

Officers promoted during the ceremony: 

• Sgt. David Centala to lieutenant
• Sgt. Jim Fraser to lieutenant
• Officer Jenna Conrad to sergeant
• Officer Bill Reiss to sergeant

"This department has been in existence for  61 years … for the first time in our city‘s history we will be elevating a female to the command structure," said City Manager Ben Hughes. "I could not be more proud. I am confident that it is the first of many more to come."