Plant City Police Department promoted 12 officers Tuesday evening in what PCPD has said was more than likely the largest promotion ceremony in the history of the department.
The officers and their families gathered at First Baptist Church of Plant City Tuesday for the ceremony. Chief James Bradford addressed the officers and told them to strive for excellence and make it a point to mentor those in their charge.
Bradford reminded those gathered that their purpose was to work together to accomplish a greater good for the community. Teamwork, listening to one another and always bringing your best work to the table will help build a unified department that can best serve Plant City.
“You need to think of how we all can work together to serve the community and each other,” Bradford said. “The human body, for example, is just one thing, an organism made up of many different parts with many different functions. In the same way the police department is made up of many different types of people with various skillsets and goals. Like the parts of the body functioning as one, the police department must function as one to accomplish a mission. It will be your job to ensure all the parts of the police department work together.”
He told his officers to be prepared to see change, adapt to change and continue to work through the change the best they can. Bradford also took the time to reflect on the character of the community and to remind his staff that they are instrumental in protecting and continuing the reputation of the department in Plant City.
Following the ceremony many lingered to enjoy light refreshments and catch up with their friends and family.
PCPD Promotees
Captain Robert McLellan: Effective July 3, 2021
Captain Robert McLellan was born in Portland, ME and grew up throughout the United States. He served in the United States Navy for eight years, from 1994 through 2002. McLellan started his law enforcement career with the Plant City Police Department in 2003.
Captain Alfred Van Duyne: Effective July 3, 2021
Captain Alfred Van Duyne was born and raised in Queens, New York. He served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 2000 and the Florida Army National Guard from 2000 to 2007. Van Duyne has worked for the Florida Dept. of Corrections (1996-1997), HCSO, jail division (1997-1999) and has been with the Plant City Police Department since 1999.
Lieutenant Michael Ward: Effective July 3, 2021
Lieutenant Michael Ward was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995, the United States Coast Guard from 1997 to 2018, the Florida Dept. of Corrections from 1996 to 1997 and has been part of the Plant City Police Department since 2003.
Lieutenant Matthew Lawson: Effective August 7, 2021
Lieutenant Matthew Lawson was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He served in the United States Marine Corps. Lawson worked with the Florida Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2000, the Haines City Police Department from 2000 to 2001 and has been with Plant City Police Department since 2001.
Sergeant Paul Tester: Effective July 3, 2021
Sergeant Paul Tester was born in Baltimore, Maryland and later raised in Tampa, Fl. He served with HCSO in the Jail Division from 1995 to 1998 before starting with the Plant City Police Department in 1998.
Sergeant Stevie Carmack: Effective July 3, 2021
Sergeant Stevie Carmack was born in Frankfurt Germany and was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Stevie comes from a military family. Sergeant Carmack served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 2006. Sergeant Carmack worked with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy from 2004 to 2008 and has been a member of the Plant City Police Department since March 2008.
Sergeant Gerald Baker: Effective July 3, 2021
Sergeant Gerald Baker was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Zephyrhills. He began his career with the Plant City Police Department in 2005.
Sergeant Ernest Ward: Effective August 7, 2021
Sergeant Ernest Ward was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He has worked with the Hillsborough Co. Jail Division from 2003 to 2007 and began his career with the Plant City Police Department in 2007.
Corporal Jason Fowler: Effective July 3, 2021
Corporal Jason Fowler was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He worked with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office from 2009 to 2012 and with the Plant City Police Department since 2012.
Corporal Justin Carpenter: Effective July 3, 2021
Corporal Justin Carpenter was born in Lakeland, Florida. He has worked with the Pasco County Sheriffs Office from 2012 to 2014 and started with the Plant City Police Department in 2014.
Corporal Tiffany Lindsey: Effective July 3, 2021
Corporal Tiffany Lindsey was born and raised in Satellite Beach, Florida. She has served with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from 2001 to 2005, the Bay Harbor Islands Police Department from 2005 to 2006 and has been with Plant City Police Department since 2006.
Corporal Kevin Toenes: Effective August 7, 2021
Corporal Kevin Toenes was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He has worked with Plant City Police Department since 2014.