Four Crisfield Police officers promoted

Posted 11/1/22

CRISFIELD — Four Crisfield Police officers — who because of short staffing have been handling extra duties and responsibilities in addition to their patrol assignments — were …

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Four Crisfield Police officers promoted

Posted

CRISFIELD — Four Crisfield Police officers — who because of short staffing have been handling extra duties and responsibilities in addition to their patrol assignments — were rewarded for their commitment and perseverance during a promotion ceremony.

First Sgt. James “J.P.” Parkinson is now a lieutenant, and three patrolmen first class, Charles Serman, Tom McMenamy and Greg Wetzel, were each promoted to corporal.

“These four officers have stepped up and continued to ensure the safety of our community and its citizens while executing additional duties and responsibilities, many of which are supervisory in nature,” said Chief Rick Taylor. “All of these officers worked very hard, have been dedicated and have remained loyal to the City of Crisfield.”

Lt. Parkinson is the only Crisfield native on the force, having worked for the CPD since 1985 during the terms of 13 chiefs and acting chiefs. He’s in charge of scheduling including for special events, is the evidence custodian, quartermaster, vehicle maintenance coordinator and administrator of Delta Plus, the electronic ticketing and motor vehicle accident reporting system.

Cpl. Serman’s law enforcement career started in 2009 in Virginia Beach. He moved to Maryland in October 2016 to work for the Salisbury PD and then joined the CPD in June 2018.

In addition to patrol he works on recruiting and background checks, and field trains new hires. He is a firearms and Taser instructor, and coordinates court ordered subpoenas.

Cpl. McMenamy, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was also formerly with the Salisbury PD before coming to Crisfield in 2019. He assists Capt. Lonnie Luedtke, the patrol commander, investigating major crimes and internal complaints, as well as case reports.

Cpl. Wetzel is the K-9 officer working with Drago, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix trained in human tracking and opioid detection. Hired in July 2020 after five years with the Salisbury PD Cpl. Wetzel was the CPD’s Officer of the Year in 2021.

Because of his skill with the dog, Cpl. Wetzel is subject to being called into work “on very short notice as various situations arise,” Chief Taylor said.

Mayor Darlene Taylor said when the chief described the additional work these officers were responsible for she endorsed the promotions. The city “is only as good as the people who work for you,” she said, adding, she realizes “all of you are wearing more than one hat.”

“I understand the sacrifices that you make,” the mayor said, expressing her support and that she continues to look for ways to improve the department especially with retention. “I’m grateful for all the work you guys do.” “You have my support.”

During the recent promotion ceremony Lt. Parkinson’s wife Rita and Cpl. Serman’s wife Mallory pinned the new badges on their husbands. In addition to family and other officers among those in attendance was former Chief David Dalfonso.

The ceremony, held at the Corbin Studio & Gallery, was followed by a catered lunch. Including Chief Taylor there are seven full-time officers, three part-time and one in the academy who is graduating at the end of the year.

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