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Newport News Police Department promotes a slate of sergeants, lieutenants and a captain
Summary
The Newport News Police Department held a promotion ceremony honoring multiple officers promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and captain ranks. Chief Steve Drew and community partners praised the officers and emphasized leadership and community investment.
Kelly King, speaking on behalf of the Newport News Police Department, opened the department's 2026 promotion ceremony and introduced the evening's speakers and honorees.
"As I read your name, please join Chief Drew and Chief Creswell and your family down front," King said as the emcee read promotion announcements and service highlights.
Chief Steve Drew spoke about the responsibilities that accompany higher rank and the importance of leadership in modern policing. He told the promoted officers that the city and the department expect them to invest in people and lead in the field.
"Invest in the men and women that you're responsible for," Drew said, urging new supervisors to prioritize mentorship, follow-up and community engagement. He also noted the department's recruiting and training efforts, saying the academy classes later this year will fill vacancies and expand the force.
The emcee read the service records and promotions for officers including Sergeant Tesfaye Campbell, Sergeant Sang Lee, Sergeant Justin Liberta, Sergeant Kenisha Schultz, Lieutenant Kevin Nicoll, Sergeant Nicholas Rousselot, Lieutenant Richard Thweatt and Captain Bradley Churchill. Each biography listed start dates, previous assignments, awards and the family members who attended the ceremony.
The ceremony emphasized both professional credentials—such as instructional roles, unit assignments and years of service—and community ties: multiple promoted officers were noted for work in crowd management, training and specialized investigative units. The event closed with a benediction from Pastor Maxwell and applause from attendees.
