After six months serving as acting Portsmouth Police Chief, Debra Brewer was finally sworn in this morning. The ceremony took place at the Portsmouth Welcome Center. Brewer said, “It is an honor and a privilege to be the first female police chief of Portsmouth.”
Brewer admitted that when she started with the department 27 years ago, she had her eyes on the position. “I’ve worked here a long time. When I first started, I did want to be chief. Then things kind of changed. But I figured out that I could do this.”
Widely Praised
Brewer was widely praised for her recent handling of a police brutality protests. While demonstrations turned violent in many cities, with police stations coming under attack, Brewer came out to meet and pray with protesters. She promised to do her best to weed out any ‘bad apples’ on her police force. She reflected that hopeful attitude at her swearing-in ceremony. “We’re going to go forward in the right direction. Things will get better in the city of Portsmouth.”
Brewer, who is also a volunteer firefighter and advanced EMT, joined the Portsmouth Police Department 27 years ago. She served as a human relations instructor at the police academy and was serving as a Captain when she was chosen to replace former Chief Robert Ware. Ware left Portsmouth for a job in Worthington, Ohio, one of the wealthiest communities in the state.
Promoted Officers
Brewer wasn’t the only one getting a promotion today. Joining her were:
- Lt. Michael Hamilton – promoted to Captain after 21 years on the force
- Sgt. Nathan Williams – promoted to Patrol Lieutenant after 10 years on the force. He will now be in charge of the overnight shift.
- Officer Timothy Stewart – promoted to Sergeant after 12 years with the force.
- Officer Kyle Porter – Porter is joining the force as a patrol officer after working for four years in the Scioto County Adult Probation Department.