Officers promoted to sergeant

The Lorain Police Department promoted two officers June 2 in a ceremony.

Officers Eric Rivera and Andrew Greszler became sergeants in a ceremony at Lorain City Hall Council Chambers.

Lorain police Chief Jim McCann, alluding to the recent waves of protests over police brutality, said there are a number of issues in contemporary policing and today’s police sergeants are asked to do more than those in the past.

“It was a different time, it’s different tactics, different emotions, different feelings,” McCann said. “I think now you agree with that.

“But now, our sergeants have to do more. We’ve got to keep the peace more than ever before,” McCann said. “So, you two guys, I, the mayor, will expect you to do more than ever before.”

McCann explained his reasoning.

“Your job is a coach, train and mentor your people. You’re two young guys; you are a next generation of command staff as we move up the chain eventually,” McCann said.

McCann himself became a sergeant at age 24 and said the hardest part about the role is the transition and supervising police personnel.

The chief said Rivera and Greszler would be the first two sergeants to take part in a new departmental training to help put them in the best position for success.

The new sergeants were sworn in by Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, who praised the department.

“I’m proud to mayor of such a fine police department we have here in Lorain,” Bradley said. “We have no bad police officers in the city of Lorain.

“And the reason for that is that we have all good police officers. Good police officers make sure that bad things don’t happen.”

On May 31, the Lorain Police Department and Bradley marched in solidarity with protesters over the death of Minnesota resident George Floyd.

“It’s an example of how police departments, citizens and administrations work together to get things accomplished in a peaceful way,” Bradley said. “Since I’ve taken office, I’ve always emphasized Lorain proud.

“And I’m certainly proud of these two officers who are going to become sergeants and continue with the good work of our Lorraine Police Department.”

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain police officers Eric Rivera, left, and Andrew Greszler, right, were promoted to sergeants June 2at Lorain City Hall.