Dec. 18, 2023
Police chief announces promotions and introduces new officers
Johnson City Police Chief Billy Church recently announced multiple promotions within the department.
“I am proud to announce the promotions of these dedicated officers,” said Chief Church. “Their commitment to serving our community and upholding the values of our department earned them this well-deserved recognition. As they take on their new roles and responsibilities, I know that they will continue to lead by example and inspire others with their professionalism and integrity.”
Brandon Carr has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 2. He has served with the Police Department since 2014. He holds a number of specialized positions including being a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and traffic homicide teams. Carr has also served as a field training officer, patrol officer and on the bike team. He holds a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in human services and criminal justice.
Justin Henard has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 4. He has been with the Police Department since 2015. He has served on the special investigation squad (SIS) and SWAT team. Other positions held by Henard include field training officer, patrol officer and a member of the criminal investigation division. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from ETSU.
Jeff Jenkins has been promoted to sergeant over the school resource officer (SRO) unit, where he has served the past six years. A 31-year veteran of the Police Department, he has been a patrol officer and on the K9 unit where he and his partner, Tigger, were named the Top Police K9 Team for Region 8 two times. Jenkins also served as officer in charge (OIC) of the K9 unit. Early in his career, he was a member of the department’s honor guard and the recruitment team. He has completed several instructor schools and has assisted in training officers in many specialized tactics. He has served as OIC of the SRO unit since February.
Adam Lunceford has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 1. He started his career with the Police Department in 2007. While serving as a patrol officer, he has been an evidence technician and field training officer. He has also served on the crisis intervention team, honor guard and bike patrol. Lunceford also continues to serve in the United States Army Reserves where he is a sergeant first class and has been awarded 20 medals. He’s also served two tours of duty in Iraq. During his time with the Police Department, he has received several awards including two medals of distinguished service in 2010 and 2016.
Will Saulsbury has been promoted to sergeant in SIS. He has been with the Police Department since 2014. During his time with the Department, he has served as a master police officer in the patrol division, a field training officer, and most recently as an SIS investigator. He also serves as an operator on the SWAT team. Saulsbury has numerous accolades during his time with the Department including the Police Department Lifesaving Award, Tennessee Highway Safety Office Officer of the Year, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Officer of the Year (2021 and 2022). He holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from ETSU.
Mark Williams has been promoted to sergeant on Platoon 3. A 20-year veteran of the Police Department, he has served as a patrol officer, a traffic homicide investigator, and a field training officer. In addition to his service with the Police Department, Williams is also a boating officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. He has served in that position for 12 years. Prior to beginning his career with the Police Department, he was an emergency services dispatcher for Washington County 911.
NEW HIRES: In addition to the promotions, Chief Billy Church also introduced the Police Department’s newest officers at a swearing-in ceremony Monday, Dec. 18. David Arendse, Terry Atkinson, Jacob Colvin, Eugene Diaz III, Matthew Hoyt, Shawn Jordan, Jacob Rice, and Dennis Skowronski took their oaths in front of friends, family and Police personnel in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The probationary police officers will begin the nine-week academy in January then transition to field training.
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