Norwich ― The Norwich Police Department has announced five recent promotions.

Lt. John Perry, a 21-year veteran of the police department, was promoted to the rank of captain after the retirement of James Veiga. Perry, who lives in Norwich, has received a Medal of Valor and Norwich community awards. Perry, a Ledyard High School graduate, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Purdue University Global.

Sergeants Kyle Besse and Steven Schmidt were promoted to lieutenant.

Besse is a 16-year veteran of the police department and lives in Lebanon. A Stonington High School graduate, he earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from McIntosh College. He has received meritorious service awards, the Life Saving Award and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Medal of Valor.

Schmidt, a 15-year veteran of the police department, lives in Oakdale. A Ledyard High School graduate, he attended Three Rivers Community and worked 12 years for the Department of Defense.

Detectives Kenneth Wright and Matthew Seidel were promoted to sergeant.

Wright, an 11-year veteran of the police department, lives in Norwich. A Long Island native, he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Pace University. He has received Mothers Against Drunk Driving awards, the Norwich Police Department Critical Incident award, and the CT State Police K9 Handler of the Year award.

Seidel, an 11-year veteran of the police department, lives in Preston. A graduate of Norwich Free Academy, he attended Three Rivers Community College. He served five years as a narcotics detective with the City of Groton Police Department prior to coming to the Norwich department where he has served in many roles.