Two Rocky Hill police officers were promoted to the ranks of lieutenant and sergeant during a promotion ceremony at Town Hall Monday morning. 

Sgt. Mike Norman joined the Rocky Hill Police Department in 1997. He has been a field-training officer and a fire arms instructor during his tenure with the department. He has served on the Mid State Narcotics Task Force and in the detective bureau. He has received numerous letters of appreciation and recommendation including the Connecticut Heroes Award for rescuing a person from a fire at Century Hills Apartments.

"It's a great feeling of accomplishment," Norman said.

Norman was born and raised in Southington. After graduating from Southington High School, he joined the Army where he served four and half years and obtained the rank of sergeant. He is currently working on a degree in criminal justice from Tunxis Community College.

In 1999, Lt. Brian Klett joined the Rocky Hill Police Department and has been a sergeant for the past year. He has been a Dare and Life Skills instructor, a field-training officer and served a year in the detective bureau. He was the first officer to be appointed to the motor vehicle enforcement unit. Klett has received the Medal of Valor along with other awards and honors.

“This is a great day and an amazing opportunity for my family and me,” Klett said. “I look forward to having a positive impact on the people in the community.“

Klett was born and raised in Newington and graduated from Newington High School. He attended Eastern Connecticut State University where he received a bachelor's degree in history.

Police Chief Michael Custer stated both men are outstanding officers who are well respected by their peers and care about the community. He added that they will be great role models for other officers and are both hard working and motivated.

"It is always nice to see people like that do well and move ahead in an organization," Custer said. "I think they are going to be a fine additions to our supervisory rank and command staff."

Town Manager Barbara Gilbert said these appointments are "a proud moment" for her and the town.

"This is another one of those events I am so pleased to be hosting," Gilbert, who is the former town clerk, said. "Today is one of those days that you get to see people you swore in move up. It is something that you are very proud of. It shows that the right decisions were made at the right time."

There are currently 34 officers in the police department, which is one short of the number allotted for the department. The department is expected to fill the vacancy in the near future, Custer said.

"We have moved very rapidly in filling replacements in the Rocky Hill Police Department," Gilbert said.

Police chiefs and officers from Wethersfield, Berlin and Newington were in attendance along with present and past state representatives and town officials and staff members.