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Here's a release from Mike Stevens with the City of Salem about the changing of the guard at the Salem Police Department: 

For the first time in 16 years the City of Salem has a new Police Chief. Jeff Dudley, a 32-year veteran of the department, was appointed to the position on August 12 by City Manager Kevin Boggess. This morning Dudley officially assumed his new post after receiving a handshake and a pat on the back from outgoing Chief James Bryant."I appreciate the confidence the City Manager and City Council have shown in me for this position," says Dudley. "The Salem Police Department has very dedicated and qualified individuals working for it and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead them. I cannot express in words how this opportunity feels."

Bryant, Boggess and a number of family members took part in the official badge pinning ceremony that also featured the swearing in of new Deputy Chief Tim Guthrie, who has been an integral part of the Salem PD for 28 years.

In addition to the appointments of Dudley and Guthrie, the following officers also were promoted today:

Sergeant Michael H. Brightwell to Lieutenant
Mike joined the department on August 21, 1989. Mike was promoted to Senior Police Officer in December 1992 and worked in Patrol and in the Detective Division, both in the Special Investigations Unit and as a General Investigator. Mike also serves on the department Emergency Response Team (ERT). Mike was promoted to Sergeant in June 2006 and assigned to a patrol division supervisor where he has worked until this time.Mike graduated from Salem High School and resides in Roanoke County with his wife, Tina, and son, Michael.

SPO Mike Mills to Sergeant
Mike joined the department on November 9, 1998, after spending approximately 2 years with the Martinsville Police Department. Mike was promoted to Senior Police Officer in April 2002 and held assignments as a General Investigator. He is currently assigned to patrol and serves as a field training officer. Mike graduated from Salem High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Radford University. Mike resides in Salem.

SPO Derek Weeks to Sergeant
Derek joined the department January 8, 2001, after serving 4 years at the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office.

Derek was promoted to Senior Police Officer March 2005 and has spent the last 3and a half years in the Detective Division as a General Investigator. Derek was selected by his peers as Officer of the Year 2007.

Derek graduated from Glenvar High School and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Radford University. Derek resides in Salem with his wife, Brenda, and sons, Conner and Dylan.