RINCON — Two Rincon Police Department corporals with a history of performing at high level were elevated in rank Monday night.
Chief Jonathan Murrell promoted Kurtis Smith and Larry Harris to sergeant at the start of a Rincon City Council meeting.
“Mayor and council, I am happy to come before you today and recognize two employees who have really gone above and beyond,” Murrell said.
The chief called Smith and Harris “stellar employees” before listing their accomplishments. He started with Smith.
“... (He) has taken it upon himself to take on the role of training coordinator for the whole department with no extra recognition, no extra rank or pay — and he has done that because it’s a passion of his,” Murrell said.
Smith, a 12-year veteran law enforcement veteran, has kept the department up to date on training while managing his patrol shift with a positive attitude and good work ethic.
Harris, who joined the Rincon Police Department five years ago, has been heading up investigations.
“... he’s done a great job with that,” Murrell said. “He’s grown with investigations. He’s taken drug investigations to the next level and he’s done that withe rank of corporal, which really should have been a sergeant’s position the whole time.
“He’s done that with a smile on his face and done a great job with it.”
Murrell read letters that notified each officer of their promotion. He also presented them with a personalized beverage container.
Mayor Ken Lee congratulated Smith and Harris, and lauded the local force as a whole at the end of the chief's presentation.
“It means a lot to see that we are promoting from within our department,” Lee said. “I think that says a lot about the department. Another thing that I am always amazed at is that you guys are always here to support each other. All your fellow officers, your fellow colleagues, always come when you have recognition.
"That thrills me and I appreciate that. I think it says a lot about the camaraderie within the department, so thank you all for what you are doing.”
