Two promoted at New London Police Department
New London — Two veteran police officers were promoted Thursday during a standing-room-only ceremony held at City Hall.
Calling them the "cream of the crop" at the New London Police Department, acting police Chief Peter Reichard promoted Sgt. Robert Pickett to the rank of lieutenant and Officer Max Bertsch to sergeant.
Pickett, who has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of New Haven, has been with the force for more than 22 years and formerly served as the detective sergeant, among a host of other positions.
Reichard said he will assume a key position and will set the tone as the supervisor for the patrol officers on the streets.
Bertsch, who has been with the department for 11 years, served from 2009 until earlier this year as the school resource officer and is known to much of the staff at both the middle school and high school. Many of the school staff were in attendance on Thursday, along with City Council members, officers past and present and officials from the New London State's Attorney's Office.
"The turnout tonight really reflects the respect the officers have in the community," Mayor Michael Passero said.
Reichard also is poised to promote a detective but awaits approval from the City Council.
Reichard is expected to be in the mix of applicants for the chief's position once current Chief Margaret Ackley retires. She has given the city notice that she would retire on Jan. 10.
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