10 Phila. police commanders sworn in to new posts

With their badges masked by black mourning bands for a fallen comrade, ten Philadelphia Police commanders were sworn in today to new posts as part of Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey's departmental reorganization.

"It's a bittersweet moment," said Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross, whom Ramsey elevated on Thursday to oversee field operations. Ross said it was difficult to celebrate the promotion while police are searching for the last of three suspected killers of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinksi, who died Saturday after an armed robbery in Port Richmond.

"This is secondary with everything else going on in the city," Ross said at the ceremony, held at the Police Administration Building. "Our hearts go out to that family first and foremost."

The new commanders needed to be formally sworn in before they could assume their posts. The ten include the department's highest ranking female Hispanic, Staff Inspector Sonia Velazquez-Elliot, formerly a captain in Victims Services who was promoted to head audits and inspections.

In addition to Ross and Velazquez-Elliot, the new promotions include:

* Deputy Commissioner William Blackburn, head major investigations. He was formerly chief inspector in narcotics.

* Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson Sr., head of the homeland security unit. He was formerly inspector in charge of the South Division.

* Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, head of Regional Operations Command South. He was formerly a captain who commanded the 17th District in South Philadelphia.

* Deputy Commissioner Thomas Wright, commander of Regional Operations Command North. He was formerly a captain who commanded the 25th District in North Philadelphia.

* Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan, head of the executive office, field operations. He was formerly inspector who commanded the Northwest Division.

* Chief Inspector Theresa Peay-Clark, head of narcotics. She was formerly a staff inspector in narcotics.

* Inspector Myron Patterson, domestic response and patrols. He was formerly staff inspector in the tactical division.

* Inspector Kevin Hall, head of Command Inspections Bureau. He was formerly captain in command of the 22nd District in North Philadelphia.

"This is a very difficult time for all of us with the loss of Officer Liczbinski last Saturday as you all know," said Ramsey, the former Washington D.C. chief who became commissioner in January.

"But it's also a very proud moment because we have the opportunity now to elevate members of our department, 10 individuals, to positions in the department that are very critical to our success."