By Bonnie Culverhouse

Four Minden Police officers are moving up the ranks, thanks to a thumbs-up from the Minden City Council Monday.

“These promotions are important to these officers,” said Police Chief Steve Cropper. “They do a good job, and this helps with morale.”

Although only one officer garnered a unanimous vote, all were approved.

Officer First Class Brandon Shane Griffith’s promotion to sergeant was approved by a vote of 3-2, with District B councilwoman Terika Williams-Walker and District C councilman Vincen Bradford casting the two dissenting votes. Griffith is a detective with the Minden Police Department

Officer First Class Michael Shawn Griffith, a patrol officer, was promoted to sergeant by a vote of 4-1, with Williams-Walker voting no.

Officer First Class Jason Smith, also a patrol officer, received the same 4-1 vote, advancing him to the rank of sergeant.

“This puts a sergeant on every shift,” Cropper said. “That’s something that has been needed.”

The unanimous council vote was to promote patrol officer Jason Lee to Officer First Class.

In other business, the city council denied a request to add two items on the agenda, including the authority to advertise for bids for the construction of a new animal shelter and adoption of a resolution – making April 11 through 15 National Community Development Week.

The vote was 3-2 with Williams-Walker and Bradford voting against adding the items. It requires a unanimous vote of the council to add items to the agenda.