Chief John Drake Announces New Leadership Roles for Eleven MNPD Veterans

Chief John Drake today announced the appointment of a new MNPD commander and the promotions of ten other MNPD veterans to the ranks of captain, lieutenant and sergeant effective Tuesday.

Captain Jessica Ware, a 13-year police department veteran who currently oversees the flexible countywide D-Detail of patrol officers, is being appointed Commander of the East Precinct. She is succeeding Commander Harold Burke who is transitioning to supervise the Community Safety Center. Ware holds a Bachelor's Degree from Francis Marion University.

Lieutenant Stephen Weir, an 18-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Domestic Violence Division, is being promoted to captain and will be one of the department's overnight field supervisors. Weir holds a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University.

Sergeant Nicholas Falcone, a 28-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Office of Professional Accountability, is being promoted to lieutenant and will lead the West Precinct's evening shift. Falcone holds a Bachelor's Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Sergeant Nopel Stella, a 9-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Office of Community Outreach & Partnerships, is being promoted to lieutenant and will be a supervisor in the Domestic Violence Division. Stella holds an Associate's Degree from Nashville State College.

Sergeant Laura Williams, a 19-year MNPD veteran who is currently a supervisor at the Midtown Hills Precinct, is being promoted to lieutenant and will lead the Special Projects branch of the Community Services Bureau. Williams holds a Bachelor's Degree from Samford University.

Officer Rex Engelbert, a 7-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Special Response Team, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the South Precinct's day shift. Engelbert holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Dayton.

Officer Joseph Patricio, a 10-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Homicide Unit, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the South Precinct's overnight shift. Patricio holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Tampa.

Officer Esther Poysti, a 6-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Robbery Unit, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the D-Detail. Poysti holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wyoming.

Officer Rachael Robinson, a 6-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Robbery Unit, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the East Precinct's overnight shift. Robinson holds a Bachelor's Degree from Humbolt State University

Officer William Vanbergen, a 7-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Non-Lethal Shooting Unit, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the West Precinct's evening shift. Vanbergen holds a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State University.

Officer Bryson Wilkins, a 6-year MNPD veteran who is currently assigned to the Youth Services Division, is being promoted to sergeant and will be a supervisor on the Midtown Hills Precinct's evening shift. Wilkins holds a Bachelor's Degree from Tennessee Tech University.

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