LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Police Department welcomed new leadership to its ranks as it promoted dozens of members on Tuesday.
Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel issued them all a challenge.
"That you will continuously seek to be the best version of yourself each and every day, because you understand and respect the weight of the responsibility to have others inside of your department and for your community," she said.
Gwinn-Villaroel and Mayor Craig Greenberg promoted Lt. Col. Steve Healey to Deputy Chief and Colonel.
He used his promotion to help share a message of unity for the city, with the help of his friend, Reverend Dr. Charles Elliot.
"I had my good friend and mentor Dr. Elliot stand with me today as I took the oath of office on his bible," Healey said. "That's a man and book that has witnessed so much history, and also so much paint. I took that oath to you and this community. Because we have a shared vision, to stop the endless killing and gun violence that is plaguing our city."
See Healey's full speech below:
He added they have a lot of support in Louisville.
"This city loves you. This city supports you. But they ask, I ask, and this command staff asks, that you protect them in a moral, constitutional and ethical manner," Healey said.
The department also promoted seven lieutenants, 12 sergeants and four majors, including Donald Burbrink who most recently led the Homicide Unit.
Two majors were promoted to lieutenant colonel, including Emily McKinley who worked her way up through the Homicide Unit and recently oversaw the Administrative Services Division.
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