Fifteen Long Beach Police Department employees were promoted to various positions at a ceremony on Thursday. Photos by Brittany Woolsey

Fifteen Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) personnel were promoted Thursday in a ceremony at city hall that brought the officers, their families and city officials together.

LBPD Chief Robert Luna and Mayor Robert Garcia each said at the ceremony that Long Beach had something to be proud of with its police department.

“I believe, and I know all of you believe, we have the finest police force in the United States here in Long Beach,” Garcia said.

Luna recognized a recent disconnect with police in general in the country, where people feel like they can’t trust law enforcement, but ensured the public that the LBPD was here to serve them, and those who were promoted were among the department’s best.

Luna encouraged the 15 recipients to “lead with character, competence, and compassion,” while also following the three LBPD values of ethics, respect and intelligence.

“There has been a lot of negative attention on police departments,” Luna said, addressing the crowd. “I challenge all of us to focus on the positive. Our officers are committed, courageous and serve with honor. And, above all, remember, police officers are people, too.”

Deputy Chief Richard Rocchi kisses his wife, Kerry, as he and his family celebrate his promotion.

Among those honored were Commander Richard Rocchi, who was promoted to deputy chief, and Lieutenant Richard Conant, who was promoted to commander. Each of their appointments were announced earlier this month.

Other promotions included Maura Velasco-Ventura and Glen Spencer each promoted to administrator; Sgt. Gail Dennison, Sgt. Jeffrey Berkenkamp and Sgt. David Faris promoted to lieutenant; Detective Christopher Bolt, Officer John Hotchkiss, Detective Vincenzo Marchese and Detective Daniel Mendoza promoted to sergeant; SSO III Joseph Schlobohm and SSO III Joseph Libra promoted to special services officer IV; Jennifer Roberts promoted to administration bureau secretary; and Clerk Typist III Monica Lee promoted to clerk supervisor.

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