Written by Amanda Coers – Three Brownwood police officers were promoted Thursday morning in a ceremony held at the Brownwood Law Enforcement Center. James Kidd was promoted to Lieutenant, Zane Taylor to Sergeant and Sky Self to Corporal. Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols officiated the ceremony, commending the officers for their hard work.

The Brownwood Police Department partnered with the Brownwood Municipal Police Association to form an interview board to select candidates to promote. Community leaders served on the interview board, and included Vice President of Texas Bank Tim Espinoza, Brownwood ISD Superintendent Dr. Joe Young, and the CEO of Brownwood Regional Medical Center Claude “Chip” Camp. Six Brownwood Police Department personnel also served on the interview board.

Chief Nichols explained it was difficult to choose the officers to promote because all the candidates were excellent.

First in the ceremony to be promoted was James Kidd, who became an officer in 1998 and joined the Brownwood Police Department in 2002. Lieutenant Kidd’s wife, Tiffany, was present to pin his badge during the ceremony. “I’ve come to know James as a very intense professional who cares about this department and our community,” said Chief Nichols. “I absolutely welcome James as the newest member of our command staff team.”

Second to be promoted was Zane Taylor, who joined the Brownwood Police Department in 2005, one year after graduating from police academy. “He likes hard work, and what I call punishment,” said Chief Nichols, after sharing Taylor had attended SWAT school sessions twice. “He has a can-do attitude. I believe Zane will make an outstanding Sergeant and leader on the squad,” said Chief Nichols. Sergeant Taylor’s wife, Tonya, was present to pin his badge during the ceremony.

Third to be promoted was Sky Self, who began his law enforcement career with the Comanche Police Department in 2002, and later joined the Brownwood department in 2006. “He is the type of officer any of us would like our families to come in contact with,” said Chief Nichols, who also shared Self had several letters of recommendations. “He routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Chief Nichols. Self’s friend and fellow officer, Ray Slayton, was present to pin his badge during the ceremony.

At the close of the ceremony, Mayor Stephen Haynes was asked to offer a prayer. Mayor Haynes gave thanks for the men promoted, for their service, and prayed for their safety.

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