Officers climb the ranks

CENTRAL GLENDALE — The city's Police Department honored the rise of 10 officers and staff members within its ranks at a light-hearted promotions ceremony Thursday evening at the Glendale Police Station.

Five professional staff members, two lieutenants, two sergeants and a captain were among the promotions celebrated at the ceremony.

For the highest-ranked officer promoted, Capt. Kirk Palmer, Chief Randy Adams wasted no time in poking fun at what could prove to be a career-long reference.

"Kirk was first made famous when he had a starring role on … " Adams said before laughter from the audience cut him off.

"Star Trek" references aside, Palmer's promotion adds to his long career in law enforcement.

Palmer will take over the department's administrative services division, in which he has served as a lieutenant since 2004. He started on his path to Glendale Police management in 1990, when he was promoted to sergeant.

"He really deserves it because he's worked hard for it his whole life," said his brother, Kyle Palmer. "He's been able to maintain great balance in his life."

During his address, Kirk Palmer said that while public safety departments often receive the lion's share of media attention for their efforts, he looked forward to supporting and promoting the work of his counterparts in the city's various civic departments as Glendale prepares to handle new development and growth.

As Adams introduced the department's new lieutenants — Steve Davey and Tony Futia — he was quick to point out the challenge that lay before them in a position where he said they will often feel the crunch of being in middle management.

"You really do feel like you're in the middle," Adams said of his experience as a lieutenant.

Futia and Davey said during their addresses that they were excited to meet that challenge after having worked through a wide range of assignments as sergeants.

"Obviously, I'm still going to enjoy it, just in a little bit of a different role," Davey said.

Picking up where Futia and Davey leave off will be new police Sgts. Harout Bouzikian and Chris Spencer in high-stress positions where officers juggle a multitude of new responsibilities, Adams said.

Syrian-born Bouzikian could hardly contain his excitement.

"This is one of the happiest days of my life, I have to say," he said. "I won't disappoint you."

But the ceremony wasn't only about those in the line of fire. Adams made it clear that the five staff members promoted into supervisory positions were crucial to police operations.

"We wouldn't be half as effective as we are if it weren't for the professional staff," he said as he stood beside them. "Welcome to the world of supervision."