By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— In the largest group of promotions in the history of the Pelham Police Department, Police Chief Larry Palmer promoted six officers and one civilian at a ceremony Nov. 25.

“It’s just an exciting time for us,” Palmer said. “We don’t get to do this often enough, so it’s a joyous occasion for me.”

Officers Jeremy Eddy, Joey Pitts and Mike Williams were all promoted to the rank of sergeant, and sergeants Mike Roberts, Pat Cheatwood and Doug Setliff were promoted to lieutenant.

Holly Coffman was also promoted to the role of administrative assistant for the police department.

“This is the largest group of promotions in the history of the Pelham Police Department, and I’m proud of that,” Palmer said. “At the conclusion of the ceremony today, there’s going to be a total of 10 individuals that have received promotions this year.”

Before Palmer had the officers take their oaths for their new positions, Palmer spoke about excellence and professionalism. Those two words are engraved on the police department’s official coin and represent the department, Palmer said.

“Attitude is everything and one of the keys to success is a positive attitude,” Palmer said.

In their new roles with the police department, Palmer said the newly promoted officers will need to uphold the standards of excellence and professionalism. He also told the officers to make themselves available to the public, to find the time to talk with them and listen to their needs.

Each of the officers then swore a new oath with the Pelham Police Department as either a sergeant or lieutenant for the department. Then a member of the officer’s family pinned on their new badge.

“We’ve got 10 new people in Pelham,” Palmer said. “We are learning, but it’s great because I know they are going to approach it with all the commitment and dedication that every one of these guys can muster.”