Two Vineland police officers promoted to sergeant
Deborah M. Marko
dmarko@thedailyjournal.com
VINELAND – Two police officers — Brian Armstrong and Owen Flores — were promoted to the rank of sergeant Friday afternoon before a standing-room-only City Hall crowd of fellow officers and family members.
Police Chief Tim Codispoti has always maintained that sergeant is the single most important role within the local police force due to its oversight responsibilities.
Sergeants are traditionally the first supervisors at any crime scene, the chief said, calling them "the backbone of this agency."
The promotions of Armstrong and Flores were a "joyous occasion," Codispoti said, expressing his confidence in two policemen.
Mayor Ruben Bermudez administered the oaths simultaneously to both officers. After they signed their names to bottom of their oaths, the mayor cheered, "It's official."
Flores had his sergeant's badge pinned to his jacket by his fiancé, Ivelise Cumba. Armstrong gave the honor to his fiancé, Amanda Riegel.
The moment was captured by family, friends and even an off-duty police crime scene photographer.
"The police department will be resting on their shoulders when they are on duty," Public Safety Director Edwin Alicea told the crowd. "It is probably one of the best promotions in the career of a law enforcement officer, it validates their training and their experience and the fact the agency does have confidence in their abilities to lead others."
The two men, both 27, are Vineland High School graduates. Flores and Armstrong said they always wanted to be police officers. Both sergeants will be assigned to the patrol division.
They are filling the vacancies due to the recent retirements of Tim McLaughlin and Roland Morgan.
Flores joined the force in March 2, 2008 and Armstrong joined about a year later, Feb. 27, 2009.
With their new badges and new titles, the new sergeants start their first shifts on Sunday evening.
"I'm excited and looking forward to the challenge and the calls," Flores said.
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