Dewey Beach police officers promoted

Six Dewey Beach police officers received promotions at a small ceremony at Hyatt Place Dewey Beach April 12.

The supervisory roles will ensure officers are better prepared to respond to calls as the busy summer season approaches, said Chief Constance Speake, who noted that as the department continues to enhance its level of professionalism, it is incumbent to have well-trained officers at each rank.

Cpl. Carl Kurten and Cpl. Gavin Vaughn were promoted to staff corporal, and PFC Dylan Ebke, PFS Matthew Planer, PFC Jesse Swanson and PFC Jack Kane were promoted to corporal. 

“It is not lost on me that my vision, ideas and initiatives are worthless if my team doesn't buy into it,” she said. “In a little over a year, our agency has made sweeping changes and improvements. All of these improvements would not have been possible without all of our team's hard work, ideas and willingness to put in the long hours to accomplish these important goals.”

The elevated ranks call for enhanced responsibilities and knowledge in constitutional law and handling critical incidents, Speake said. These officers will be looked to for guidance, Speake said, noting she is proud they have embraced the work necessary to make the department a model of professionalism and esprit de corps.

Before being eligible for promotion, officers received Field Training Officer certification and completed supervisory/leadership courses through the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. 

“Certainly the most rewarding and satisfying aspect of my job is promoting these hardworking officers and recognizing them for their professional achievement,” Speake said. “I just ask as you go forward in your career, you start to mentor and develop the officers under your watch.

“Teach them to do this job the right way,” she continued. “Insist on absolute honesty, instill the importance of duty, demand integrity and remember we serve the community.”