Three Cape Girardeau police officers promoted

The Cape Girardeau Police Department announced Monday the promotions of three officers to the ranks of lieutenant, sergeant and corporal.

Sgt. Jack Wimp, who has served with the department since 1985, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Cpl. Rick Price, an officer since 1986, was promoted to sergeant and patrolman Brad Smith, serving since 1996, was promoted to corporal.

Wimp has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and also graduated from the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement Academy, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau Police Department. With his promotion, Wimp will vacate his current position as the sergeant of the Traffic Unit, which will be filled by another officer, police spokesman Jason Selzer said.

For the last six years, Price has been assigned to the Patrol Division. Before joining the Cape Girardeau department, Price served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and as a sergeant for the Butler County Sheriff's Department, the release stated. He graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol-run Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Smith has worked in the detective division for the last six years and has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Southeast. He is also a graduate of the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement academy, according to the release.

The three were among 27 officers who had applied for the promotions, which go into effect Saturday.

When Capt. Carl Kinnison was appointed department chief in October, Lt. Roger Fields was promoted to captain, leaving an open lieutenant position, and subsequently an open sergeant and corporal post.

Candidates had to take a written test, a problem-solving test and interview for the open positions. Candidates for the lieutenant positions also gave an oral presentation.

The promotional process was the first one the department has undergone in about five years.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127