SAPD Promotes Sergeants & Lieutenants

SAN ANGELO, TX – Yesterday afternoon, San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter led a ceremony that promoted several officers deemed worthy of moving up in the ranks, including the second female to hold the position as sergeant at SAPD.

“I’m very proud of each one of them. We grew up in the ranks together. I was their supervisor as they progressed in their careers.” Carter said, “It’s a very exciting day for me to stand up there and get to promote these guys and girls.”

The following officers received their promotions:

• Lieutenants: Brian Robinson, Chris Cimino, Adam Scott
• Sergeant: Kelly Lajoie, David Olson, Eric Tabone

While everyone forms an imperative part of the SAPD community, Sergeant Kelly Lajoie shined as the only promoted female in the group. She is now the only female sergeant on duty. The only other female sergeant at SAPD was Rose Garcia, who has since retired said Officer Tracy Gonzalez, public information officer.

Lajoie joined SAPD eight years ago as a patrol officer and steadily moved her way up the ranks. After several years, she moved up to the Criminal Investigations Department where she works child crimes and more.

She said she hopes to continue growing and strengthen the bond between SAPD and the citizens of San Angelo. Her passion is to serve others, and, as a member of the Police Department, she has the ability to fulfill that.

The road to sergeant is not an easy one and requires true dedication and commitment to the department.

“If you know you want it, go for it,” Lajoie said to any young lady out there who wishes to join her local police department and save lives.

She said she knows the road can be tough, but anyone who is willing to put in the hard work can make their dream of being a police officer come true.

Even as the only female sergeant of the department, Lajoie said that being in a male dominate department isn’t “a big deal”. Throughout her entire career, she has worked around a lot of men and it doesn’t make a major difference for her.

Overall, Chief Carter reminded the new sergeants and lieutenants of the crucial role they play in the community, and of their obligation to their subordinates and fellow officers.

It is through their hard work that SAPD is able to serve the citizens of San Angelo and keep them safe. Carter provided the officers with a few words to remember as they go on the line of duty.

“Be fair; be firm; be consistent, but be compassionate.”

In addition to these recruits, four new doctors from Shannon Medical Center were also sworn in as S.W.A.T medics. These doctors are volunteers who provide their time and expertise to help SAPD in any way they can. The following doctors were presented with badges: Dr. James Vretis, Dr. Lance Hafter, Dr. Jason Pizzola, and Dr. Stephan Pizzola.

Editor's Correction: Previously, our LIVE! reporter indicated that Sgt. Kelly Lajoie was the first woman to promote to sergeant; however, that is not the case. She is the second. There have been three women thus far promoted to lieutenant and sergeant. Two of the women, Rhonda Mida and Rose Garcia, have since retired. Lajoiei is the only female to hold the rank of sergeant at this time. Also, she was never a lieutenant as previously indicated. Our story has been updated to reflect the correction.