LA PLATA, Md.—Charles County Sheriff Rex W. Coffey recently announced the promotions of six officers and the creation of a new command structure. Effective Dec. 31, the following promotions were made:
Major Joe Montminy, a 31-year veteran, was promoted to Lt. Colonel and will serve as Chief Assistant Sheriff. Colonel Montminy is the first person to be appointed to this new position. He will manage the overall operations of the agency and will focus on current and upcoming legislative issues. Previously, Colonel Montminy commanded Patrol Operations and the Criminal Investigations Division. He also served as a supervisor in the Internal Affairs Unit.
Captain Robert Cleaveland, a 26-year veteran, was promoted to Major and will serve as the Assistant Sheriff of Operations which oversees Patrol, Special Operations, Criminal Investigations, and Corrections. Previously, Major Cleaveland commanded the Executive Services Division. He also served as a commander of the District II station and as an investigator in the Internal Affairs Unit and the Criminal Investigations Division.
Lieutenant Ray Aportadera, a 23-year veteran, was promoted to Captain and will head the Criminal Investigations Division. Previously, Capt. Aportadera commanded the Narcotics Enforcement Section and the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. He also served in the Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol.
Sergeant Craig Stillwell, a 22-year veteran, was promoted to Lieutenant and will serve in the Office of Professional Responsibility. He previously served as a supervisor in the Patrol Division and the Special Operations Division.
Corporal Kevin Keelan, a 16-year veteran, was promoted to Sergeant and will serve in Patrol Operations. Previously, he was a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division.
Police Officer First Class Charles Gass was promoted to the rank of Corporal and is assigned to Criminal Investigations.
Captain Scott Whitcraft, a 24-year veteran, will take over Executive Services where he will oversee Media Relations, Planning and Accreditation, and Human Resources. Previously, Captain Whitcraft commanded the Criminal Investigations Division. He also served in the Internal Affairs Unit, Narcotics Enforcement Section and Records Management.
"Each of these individuals has shown tremendous initiative and I know they will continue to represent the Sheriff's Office well and serve the Charles County community with a high level of professionalism," said Sheriff Coffey.
Source: Charles County Sheriff's Office