The Tampa Police Department announced on May 15 the promotion of 19 officers to supervisory roles across several divisions. The department said these promotions reflect a commitment to leadership and public safety.
Police Chief Lee Bercaw said, “This group of promoted individuals represents the wide range of experience and background that defines our department. From our front-line Corporals and Detectives to our rising Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captains, these leaders share one mission: a safe Tampa. Their commitment to this higher level of responsibility ensures we remain a world-class agency for the next generation of Tampa Police Officers, professional staff members, and the community we all serve.”
Among those promoted are Captain Andrea Hughes, who will command patrol operations in Sector A; Captain Audrey Peterson, who will lead personnel and training initiatives in the Support Services Division; Captain Robin Polk, now overseeing public safety telecommunications as commander of the Communications Bureau; and Captain Jordan Russel, who will supervise critical investigations within the Criminal Investigations Division. The department also announced new Lieutenants—Rose Angelakopoulos, Chrystal Shiver, Nathan Toole, Anthony Skolarus—and several Sergeants and Corporals/Detectives.
A formal ceremony is scheduled for June 8 at the Bob Buckhorn River Center at 402 W. Laurel St., where recent promotions—including Eric DeFelice and Patrick Messmer to Deputy Chief as well as Whitney McCormick and Lisa Purcell to Major—will also be recognized.
Tampa is Florida’s third-largest city with a population of about 392,800 people according to the official website. It has evolved into a multicultural hub with notable Hispanic heritage in neighborhoods such as Ybor City according to the official history page. The city is part of the broader Tampa Bay Area metropolitan region with approximately 3.1 million residents according to its official website.
The police department’s leadership changes come amid ongoing efforts to maintain public trust while fostering professional development among officers.
