Eleven veteran Knoxville Police Department officers have been promoted to new leadership positions. The promotions were officially announced during a ceremony held at the Civic Coliseum Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon.

The promotions include four new lieutenants and eight new sergeants.

Sergeants Dylan Bradley, Amy Cardona, Kristen Cox and Nelson Hamilton were selected for promotion to Lieutenant. Bradley was sworn in as a KPD officer in 2017, while Cardona and Cox joined the department in 2011. Hamilton has over 23 years of experience with KPD.

Bradley most recently served as a sergeant over the Community Engagement Response Team. Cardona was assigned as the sergeant supervising within the Personnel and Recruitment Unit, while Cox served as the Chief’s Executive Officer. Hamilton most recently served in Field Operations as a squad supervisor in the East District.

“Each of these sergeants has demonstrated exceptional character, commitment and leadership,” Chief Noel said. “I am excited to see them step into the role of lieutenant. They have earned this opportunity, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow and excel in their new positions.”

Officers Seth Blaine, Jason Culvahouse, Gordon Johnson, Ian Pung, Mark Niethammer, Michael Spence and Brandon Wardlaw were chosen for promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Blaine joined KPD in 2021, most recently serving on the Co-Response Team. For the last three years, Culvahouse has acted as the Homeless Liaison for the department and has over 25 years of total experience. Both Johnson and Niethammer joined the department in 2017, while Wardlaw started at KPD in 2007. Spence has been with KPD since 2005 and was an inaugural member of the Mounted Patrol Unit.

“These officers have demonstrated that they have the skills and experience necessary in their new leadership positions,” Chief Noel said. “The rank of Sergeant carries new challenges, and I am confident they are prepared to meet those challenges and will lead with conviction.”

The promotional candidates will begin their new assignments on January 25.