Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department held a special ceremony on Monday, July 10, to promote lieutenants Brandon Ditto and Treven Upkes to the rank of deputy chief.
The new leaders completed approximately four months in an acting deputy chief role, then successfully navigated a rigorous and competitive selection process, which included interviews with public sector leaders and several community members.
“Throughout their nearly 40 years of combined policing experience at the officer, sergeant, and lieutenant ranks, Deputy Chief Ditto and Deputy Chief Upkes have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding justice, preserving public safety, and providing outstanding service to our community,” shared Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack.
Deputy Chief Brandon Ditto started his law enforcement career in 2006 with the Salem Police Department after a distinguished military service career in the US Army and Oregon National Guard. Ditto is a graduate of Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and has a master’s degree in criminal justice from Liberty University.
Deputy Chief Treven Upkes started his police career with the Sacramento Police Department before returning to his native Oregon in 2004 to start a family and work for the Salem Police Department. Upkes is a graduate of Wabash College with a bachelor’s degree in the classics and has a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia.
Added Womack, “The deputy chiefs will play a vital role in cultivating an environment of continuous learning and professional growth within in our department. They will guide our officers to stay at the forefront of modern policing techniques, incorporating technology, data-driven strategies, and community-oriented approaches to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure.”
Deputy Chief Ditto will lead the Support Division and Deputy Chief Upkes will lead the Field Operations Division. Together with recently promoted Deputy Chief Jacob Burke, the three comprise Chief Womack’s executive leadership team.
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