Two new Chicago Police Commanders and Captains in the 12th and 14th
The Chicago Police Department's (CPD) swearing in ceremony on Navy Pier Monday included 7 new commanders, 6 new captains and 98 new detectives.
Among the Commanders were Edward Kulbida, 12th District, and Marc Buslik, 14th District. Among the Captains were Philip Kwasinski, in the 12th, and Anthony Escamilla, in the 14th.
The Detective Bureau under Chief of Detectives John J. Escalante, a previous Commander in the 14th, has 98 new detectives.
Also at the ceremony was the 14th's former Commander Melissa Staples, who is now Executive Officer for Area North Patrol.
The Ceremony
Piping familiar tunes as the snare drummers tapped out their response and the bass drum pronounced the beat, the Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, CPD, opened the ceremonies by escorting in the Chicago Police Department Honor Guard carrying the U.S., State of Illinois and CPD flags.
Following a welcome by Lieutenant Steven Sesso, Education and Training Division, Alfonza Wysinger, First Deputy Superintendent, administered the oath of office for the detectives.
Garry McCarthy, CPD Superintendent, addressed the large audience of officers and their family and friends before turning the podium over to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
McCarthy said, “We are proud to recognize a new group of Chicago Police Detectives, trained to serve and protect our city in a way that is vital to the safety and quality of life of our communities. The perseverance and professionalism that these men and women demonstrate each day, along with their colleagues throughout the department, will continue to drive our progress in reducing violence and crime citywide.”
In 2013, CPD graduated the first class of detectives in five years and they are scheduled to graduate another class later this year. According to the department, in 2014 the Sergeants promotional exam was offered for the first time in seven years, and this year CPD will hold the first lieutenants promotional exam in eight years.
Among that lieutenants group will be Joseph Giambrone, who Wicker Park and Bucktown residents were sorry to see leave his position as the Sergeant in charge of the Wicker Park Detail.
The Mayor's comments included, “The men and women graduating and being promoted today have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our residents, and I congratulate them on this major moment in their careers Just as their focus on community policing helped them prevent crimes, the relationships these new detectives will build with residents and community leaders will be critical as they work to solve crimes, apprehend dangerous criminals and bring closure to victims and their families.”