The Portsmouth Police Department proudly hosted its 9th Annual Awards and Promotional Ceremony on September 27, 2023, at the Glen Manor House. The evening served as both a celebration of excellence and a moment of reflection, recognizing the achievements of our officers and welcoming new members to the department.
This year’s ceremony highlighted significant promotions, including the swearing-in of a new Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Detective. In addition, four new patrol officers officially joined the department, three of whom transferred laterally from other agencies, bringing valuable experience from Massachusetts and North Carolina. Each officer was formally pinned by their loved ones in a long-standing tradition that underscored the importance of family support in law enforcement careers.
Chief Brian Peters addressed the audience, commending both the newly promoted leaders and the new officers for stepping forward in a time when policing faces unique challenges. He emphasized the commitment required to wear the badge and praised their dedication to serving Portsmouth with professionalism and pride. The ceremony also remembered the 247 police officers nationwide who lost their lives in 2022, as well as those fallen in 2023, with a solemn moment of silence.
Several awards were presented to recognize exemplary service over the past year. Highlights included the Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service Awards for detectives who dismantled narcotics operations and pursued justice in sensitive cases, and the Meritorious Service Award presented to Officer Westley Lemar for his exceptional work as a School Resource Officer and in launching the department’s first Youth Leadership Camp. The Chief’s Awards honored officers whose investigative skills and proactive policing efforts removed narcotics, illegal firearms, and scams from the community. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the “Top Shot” award for marksmanship excellence.