Phila. promotes 10 police officers

With their badges masked by black mourning bands for a fallen comrade, 10 Philadelphia police commanders were sworn in yesterday to new posts as part of Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey's departmental reorganization.

"It's a bittersweet moment," said Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross, 44, a 19-year veteran 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 Liczbinski, 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 sworn in formally before they could assume their posts. The 10 include the department's highest-ranking Latina, Staff Inspector Sonia Velazquez-Elliot, 49, a 22-year veteran who was promoted to head audits and inspections. She was formerly a captain in victims services.

In addition to Ross and Velazquez-Elliot, those promoted are:

Deputy Commissioner William Blackburn, 50, head of major investigations. The 26-year veteran was formerly chief inspector in narcotics.

Deputy Commissioner Stephen Johnson Sr., 56, head of the homeland security unit. Johnson, who joined the department in 1977, was formerly inspector in charge of the South Division.

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, 44, head of Regional Operations Command South. The 21-year veteran was formerly a captain who commanded the 17th District in South Philadelphia.

Deputy Commissioner Thomas Wright, 38, commander of Regional Operations Command North. The 18-year veteran was formerly a captain who commanded the 25th District in North Philadelphia.

Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan, 45, head of the executive office, field operations. The 26-year veteran was formerly an inspector who commanded the Northwest Division.

Chief Inspector Theresa Peay-Clark, 44, head of narcotics. Peay-Clark, who joined the department in 1986, was formerly a staff inspector in narcotics.

Inspector Myron Patterson, 51, domestic response and patrols. The 22-year veteran was formerly staff inspector in the tactical division.

Inspector Kevin Hall, 40, head of the command inspections bureau. Hall, who joined the department in 1990, was formerly captain in command of the 22d 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 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."