Seadrift Mayor Elmer DeForest congratulates Police Chief Leonard Bermea.
A standing ovation that seemed to last minutes with a full council hall, as friends, family, citizens of the community and Council members stood to applaud the Seadrift Chief of Police Leonard Bermea at the regular scheduled Tuesday night meeting, April 1.
The evening started with Mayor DeForest leading the hall in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor DeForest rose from his chair at the head of the council table and asked Chief Bermea to come forward. Mayor DeForest then stated:
“ I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Bermea for leading the Police Department and doing an outstanding job over the last year and a half as Chief of Police. Chief Bermea started five years ago as an unpaid reserve officer and through diligent application worked his way up to becoming a full time Police Deputy.
Leonard was promoted to Police Chief approximately 1 1/2 years ago, leading the Police Department and showing an ability to work with all citizens, City administration, local businesses and Seadrift School.
He and all the deputies, paid or unpaid reserves, have shown that they take crime seriously and that the safety and security of the residents of Seadrift is priority #1.
Working untold hours, sometimes 12 and 14 hours a day, he has shown that professionalism, integrity and leadership are important no matter how weary one may be from long hours of work.
I would like to thank you Chief Bermea for giving above and beyond 100% and hope you will continue to maintain that professionalism integrity and leadership in the future.And with this said, I present you with your gold stars to put on your uniform signifying you as Chief of Police. Thank you for your service”
At that point Mayor DeForest pinned two gold colored stars, one on each collar, on Chief Bermea’s uniform.
It was at that moment the crowd rose to give a standing ovation to Chief Bermea, As the applause started to quiet, Chief Bermea stated, “Thank you Mayor. I do take the safety and security of Seadrift as a serious matter, but it takes all of us working in the Police Department to get the job done, The other officers have also worked hard giving long hours when the situation dictates. Sometimes their shift calls for them to go home at 2:00 a.m. but don’t get off until 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Today I get my gold stars, but they are also the reason why. Thank you.”
