Committee recommends promotion of Sgt. Dylan Lambert and Lt. Eli Kim after executive-session reviews

The Somerville City Council committee recommended approval of two internal promotions in the Somerville Police Department: Dylan Lambert to sergeant and Eli Kim to lieutenant.

Chief Benford presented both candidates, describing Lambert's seven years as a patrol officer and leadership training and noting Lambert is pursuing additional academic credentials. Lambert told the committee he sees the transition to supervisor as shifting to mentoring and managing a diverse group of coworkers and members of the public. Lambert described a past on-scene life-saving action for which he received departmental recognition, including rescuing a submerged motorist during a flash flood.

Benford also presented Sergeant Eli Kim for promotion to lieutenant, describing Kim's more than 14 years of service and supervisory experience; Benford said there are 11 lieutenant positions in the department. Kim said he expects the lieutenant role will require managing multiple operational responsibilities and working across several internal units.

For both promotion items, the committee entered executive session to review personnel records as allowed by state law and returned to open session to record recommendation votes. Councilors posed a small number of questions about on-scene experience and leadership approach; Lambert recounted breaking a car window and rescuing a drowning motorist. The committee voted by roll call to recommend both promotions; recorded votes were unanimous in favor.

Each recommendation will be forwarded to the full City Council for formal confirmation.