Lt. Joe Mills

Sgt. Mike Crawley

Earlier this week, Salem Police Chief, James R. Bryant, announced his retirement effective on November 1st.

Today, Chief Bryant is pleased to announce the promotion of two men who will continue to strengthen the department for years to come.

Joe Mills has been promoted to Patrol Division Lieutenant for C Platoon, while Mike Crawley moves up to take over Mills’ position as Detective Sergeant.

“It’s always gratifying for a Chief of Police to be able to promote the people in the department and watch them grow in their profession,” says Chief Bryant. “You always have to consider how these moves can impact the department and the citizens when you make them, and I’m proud of both men.”

Mills is a 38-year-old Salem native and recent graduate of the prestigious F.B.I. National Police Academy in Quantico. He has been with the Salem Police Department since 1998, when he joined the force after a stint with the Roanoke Co. Sheriff’s Office. Mills has worked his way up the ranks in Salem advancing from Patrol Officer to the Detectives Division, before earning this promotion.

“I’m pleased and proud that I am going to have this opportunity to serve the Department and the citizens of Salem,” says Lt. Mills. “Law enforcement work is cumulative and you always want to experience as many different facets as you can, so you can be a better officer.”

Crawley is a 35-year-old Roanoke native who started his law enforcement career in 1996 in the Town of Vinton. On December 27, 1999 he joined the Salem Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Since January 2004, he has been an integral part of the Detectives Division in Salem.

“I will really miss the everyday hands-on case work, but I believe I’ve been groomed well for this job,” says Sgt. Crawley. “It’s like going from being a quarterback on the field to an offensive coordinator, who has to make decisions. It’s a very exciting day for me.”

Submitted by Mike Stevens

To read about Chief Bryant’s retirement, click here to read the earlier press release.