It’s not the “good ol’ boys’ club” that gets you promoted at the Gallup Police Department. Promotions are based on the scores of tests presented to each candidate and to their responses.
For the recent open slot of lieutenant, three candidates vied for the promotion, and Rosanne Morrissette was the chosen one. Chief Franklin Boyd summed up the process with a simple, declaratory statement and noted how important it is for the department to embrace women and minorities to step into leadership roles, but officers have to work toward the next step.
“This department prides itself on its diversity,” he said. “Your performance dictates where you go in this department.”
Boyd also remarked on how tough this job is as officers nationwide are continually viewed and described in the media as “bad cops.”
With those words behind him, the promotion of Morrissette was no surprise.
The veteran of 15 ½ years with the GPD has a degree in Criminal Justice from UNM-G. Morrissette worked patrol until she was made a detective in 2005. She earned her Sergeant stripes in 2014 and will now command the Detective Division of eight and will also be the Public Information Officer for the department.
“I feel very proud and honored by the promotion. I’m ready to do the job. I really like the direction the department is going,” Morrissette said Apr. 5, a few days after the announcement was made of the promotion. “I’m still taking courses in PIO and Leadership. I love being a police officer and want to see how far I can progress in my career.”
Chief Boyd had her back as well, commenting about Morrissette.
“She scored well,” he said, referring to her answers to promotional oral board’s questions. “We are extremely confident in her leadership ability in the detective department.”
Captain Rick White was also complimentary about Morrissette’s promotion.
“It’s great that she’s being promoted,” White said. “She will do well for our department and for our citizens. Morrissette leadership role in the detective unit has brought about positive changes. The greatness will continue.”
By Tom Hartsock
Sun Correspondent
