Waterford ― The police department promoted two of its officers at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Patrick Flanagan, a sergeant with the department since 2009, was promoted to lieutenant. Patrick Epps, an officer here since 2015, was promoted to sergeant, filling Flanagan’s old position.

In his new role as patrol lieutenant, Flanagan will oversee the patrol division, school resource officers, marine patrol, and the K-9 unit. Flanagan has been a K-9 handler throughout his career at the department.

Additionally, Flanagan said he will serve as tactical commander of the Special Response Team (SRT), and work alongside Police Chief Marc Balestracci and the SRT team leader to devise tactical plans when responding to a high-level call.

“One of the main goals I have as new patrol lieutenant is to provide the highest level of services to the people who live in the Town of Waterford, while being as transparent and accessible as possible,” Flanagan said Friday.

Meanwhile, Epps, a K-9 handler for his entire career, was a five-time Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) award recipient. He has made the most arrests in the department for impaired driving for five consecutive years.

Epps was also named Waterford’s 2021 Officer of the Year.

“As a new sergeant, I’m just trying to be a good leader, be approachable to the guys and lead by example,” he said.

d.drainville@theday.com