Tampa Republic

TAMPA, FL. (August 2, 2024) -- Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw has announced the promotion of 46 officers and professional staff members to supervisory roles within the department. These promotions include new executive staff members to fill vacancies created by retirements.

"I am incredibly proud to announce the promotion of these outstanding public servants," said Chief Bercaw. "Our department is fortunate to have such an extraordinary pool of candidates, each demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and a deep commitment to our community. These individuals embody our department's philosophy of community-oriented policing and will bring fresh perspectives to their new roles. I am confident that they will continue to elevate the successes of our department and enhance public safety for all those in Tampa."

Deputy Chief Brett Owen will assume the role of overseeing departmental Investigations and Support, previously held by retiring Deputy Chief Mike Hutner. Deputy Chiefs Ruth Cate and Calvin Johnson will continue their leadership in departmental Operations, Community Outreach, and Professional Standards respectively.

Major Jason Dillaha will now lead the Special Operations Division, succeeding retired Deputy Chief Rich Mills, while Major Les Richardson will now oversee District Two Division, previously headed by Deputy Chief Owen.

A formal promotion ceremony will be held on August 16, 2024.

Promotions are as follows:

BRETT OWEN - DEPUTY CHIEF OF INVESTIGATIONS AND SUPPORT

Deputy Chief Brett Owen is an experienced law enforcement professional with a career spanning more than 25 years. Born in Ohio and raised in Haines City, Florida, he graduated from Auburndale High School. He earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Polk Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Barry University and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.

Owen’s commitment to professional development includes his participation in specialized training programs such as the FBI LEEDA Trilogy (Supervisor, Command, Executive Leadership), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police (Session #82), and others.

Before joining the Tampa Police Department in October 2002, Owen served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office starting in 1998. His family history includes his grandfather Edward Owen who retired as a Lieutenant from the Shaker Heights (OH) Police Department after a 27-year career.

In Tampa, Owen has progressed through various roles including patrol officer, detective, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain; he is currently overseeing investigative and support functions.

JASON DILLAHA - MAJOR OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION

Major Jason Dillaha has over two decades with the Tampa Police Department. Born in Dearborn and raised in Livonia Michigan; he graduated from Madonna University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Dillaha joined Tampa Police on May 20th 2002 as a sponsored police academy recruit; progressing through positions like patrol officer detective sergeant lieutenant captain shift commander specialty teams commander crowd management group commander deputy incident commander for Hurricane Irma response among others reflecting his dedication towards public service.

LES RICHARDSON II – MAJOR OF DISTRICT TWO DIVISION

Major Les Richardson II boasts over two decades dedicated law enforcement experience born raised St Thomas US Virgin Islands moved pursue higher education Delaware State University earning dual bachelor degrees criminal justice sociology before joining Tampa Police Department sponsorship police academy began foundational role patrol evolving narcotics investigations gang unit operations school resource officer Middleton High School fostering lasting relationships understanding community needs

ADDITIONAL PROMOTIONS:

CAPTAIN

Lisa Purcell

Regina Zeigler

LIEUTENANT

Brian Bishop

Dora De La Rosa

Jeremy Groen

Roni Hill

William Logan

Kenneth Petrillo

Jordan Russell

SERGEANT

Mark Belmonte

Aaron Campbell

Michael Drayton

Michael Ferguson

David Hassett

Juan Hernandez

Steven Hogan

Terelle Jackson

Jamielynn Monte

Levi Newton

Keith Powell

Chrystal Shiver

CORPORAL/DETECTIVE Jacob Alderman Charnelle Baker Ricky Diaz Raynaldo Figueroa Daniel Ford Matthew Klimkoski Daniel Klotzbach Joel McKee Katherine Ramirez Matthew Reynolds Brian Samuel Nicole Sousa-Paraliticci Robert Sudler Jorge Tamargo Monika Terry Christopher Vernon James Wilcher Jerry Wyche Steven Zawacki Hector Zurita

FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS SHIFT SUPERVISOR Ivan Reese

EVIDENCE SERVICES ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR Kristina Hill

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