BETHLEHEM—During its meeting on Wednesday, April 11, Town Board members approved promotions for three Bethlehem Police officers:
Detective James Cross, a 14-year veteran of the department, four of which were spent assigned to the Detective Office, was promoted to Detective/Sergeant. He will take over supervision of the Detective Office.
Officer Michael Cozzy is a 15-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol Division as a Sergeant.
Officer Robert Baldwin is an 8-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol Division as a Sergeant.
The promotions allowed the department to replace two supervisory positions considered vital, said BPD Deputy Chief Thomas Heffernan, Jr., and filled the position vacated by the retirement of Sgt. Robert Helligrass.
The positions restored were an Administrative Sergeant and a Detective Sergeant in the Family Services Unit.
“Each year the Command Staff reviews the structure of the department for effectiveness and efficiencies,” said Heffernan. “These were two areas that we felt were necessary to replace.” He explained that the administrative position assigned to headquarters assists with oversight of 911 Dispatchers and the Records Department, among other administrative duties. The Detective Sergeant, he said, oversees the School Resource Officers, DARE, department programs, Sex Offender Management, Animal Control Officer, and is responsible for other administrative duties.
The officers who received promotions were chosen after successfully passing the Albany County Civil Service Police Sergeant exam and an interview process, said Heffernan, who added, “They all possess the necessary skills required to be a successful supervisor.”