KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville Police Department held a promotional ceremony Friday afternoon. They announced their new Assistant Chief, David Powell, a 25-year veteran of the police department.
"Chief Powell has proven to be an invaluable member of our Command Staff," Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel said. "I have no doubt he will thrive and help us accomplish our goal of becoming the premier law enforcement agency in the region."
The ceremony also saw two officers promoted to sergeant, two promoted to lieutenant and even promoted Captain Brian Evans to deputy chief.
"Captain Evans is among the most thoughtful and hard-working members of our department, and is the ultimate team player,” Noel said.
Each of the officers had their new badges pinned on their uniforms by loved ones, a move that signifies the importance of family in their careers.
"My wife, I can't thank her enough," Assistant Chief David Powell said. "She has been a tremendous asset in everything that I've done, and she is the rock that I push forward off of every day."
Chief Noel said the promoted officers will play a major role in the department moving forward.
"Our supervisors, you know, not only do they have to lead, but they have to make very, very difficult decisions in the field," he said. "It's their job to lead the men and women of our department. So from sergeant to lieutenant to captain, and deputy chief and assistant chief, those are going to be the individuals that are going to lead our organization forward."
KPD said the promotions will be effective starting Sunday, March 10.