The Andalusia Police Department announces the promotion of Sgt. Barney Tyree to the rank of police lieutenant.

This promotion was effective March 13, 2010.

Lt. Tyree, who has most recently served as a criminal investigator for the department, is now shift commander for the patrol division.

He has 19 years of experience in the law enforcement field.

Lt. Tyree and five other sergeants participated in a comprehensive promotional process that included a nationally recognize written test for the position of police lieutenant and an extensive assessment process conducted by staff officers from the Mobile Police Department and the Dothan Police Department.

Chief Wilbur Williams said this was the most extensive promotional process ever conducted inside the APD and was designed to produce the most qualified candidate for this very important position.

“This process was designed to follow nationally accepted promotional standards that are intended to remove all claims of favoritism and inappropriate selection mechanisms,” Williams said.

“We went to every means possible to insure the integrity of this process including seeking the assistance of out-side exam monitors to administer the actual written test.

“I am confident that we have conducted a process that meets the highest standards of review and we have arrived at the very best selection for this important position to serve the citizens of our community,” he said. “Lt. Tyree brings a wealth of knowledge to this position.”