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SHANNON TANMichelle Smith, with Largo police for 28 years, replaces a captain who resigned amid an inquiry into a domestic incident.
LARGO - Largo police have promoted Lt. Michelle Smith, the department's highest-ranking minority, to the rank of captain.
During her 28-year career with Largo police, Smith has been a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant and lieutenant in the professional standards and investigative services divisions.
"Her I.D. number is No. 25," said Chief Lester Aradi. "She's been around a long, long time. She's ideally suited for this promotion."
Smith has received a number of commendations, including the Supervisor of the Year Award in 1990, Officer of the Year in 1980, two Distinguished Service Medals and the Victim Advocate of the Year.
She is currently attending St. Petersburg College and majoring in the interpreter training program.
She replaces Capt. Miranda Anderson, who resigned in January amid an internal investigation into a domestic incident in which she was accused of cursing at Pinellas County sheriff's deputies.
Sgt. Michael Loux was promoted to lieutenant. Loux began his career with Largo as a telecommunicator in 1992. He was sworn in as a patrol officer in 1995. Most recently, he was the sergeant of internal affairs. He also is a trainer in defensive tactics, driving and firearms.
Officer John Trebino, who was sworn in as a patrol officer in 1997 and has served as a training officer to new recruits, was promoted to patrol sergeant.
Trebino was recently named 2003 Officer of the Year.
- Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.