TAMPA, FL. (MAY 15, 2026) - - Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw has announced the promotion of 19 dedicated officers to supervisory roles within the department.
"This group of promoted individuals represents the wide range of experience and background that defines our department," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "From our front-line Corporals and Detectives to our rising Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captains, these leaders share one mission: a safe Tampa. Their commitment to this higher level of responsibility ensures we remain a world-class agency for the next generation of Tampa Police Officers, professional staff members, and the community we all serve."
Captain Andrea Hughes will command patrol operations in Sector A, the northern section of District One.
Captain Hughes is a law enforcement leader with almost two decades of public service, serving with Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before joining Tampa Police Department in 2010. Her career is defined by exceptional performance in high-stakes roles, including the Dive Team and the Special Victims Unit, where she served on an elite FBI Human Trafficking Task Force. Captain Hughes’ leadership experience extended to overseeing hiring and training and serving as a District Shift Commander. She holds a master’s degree from Saint Leo University and has completed the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy. Captain Hughes remains committed to professional excellence and fostering the positive relationships essential to modern policing.
Captain Audrey Peterson will assume command of managing the department’s personnel and training initiatives in her role within the Support Services Division.
With over 30 years of public service, Captain Peterson has been a cornerstone of the Tampa Police Department since 2000, following four years with the Florida Highway Patrol. An FBI-LEEDA Trilogy graduate, Captain Peterson also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Talladega College. While proud of her impact on crime reduction in high-crime areas, she finds the greatest fulfillment in collaborative problem-solving and development of personnel. Now leading the Personnel & Training Bureau, she leverages extensive field experience from high-impact roles in the Gang Suppression Unit and Rapid Offender Control to mentor the next generation of officers.
Captain Robin Polk will serve as the commander of the Communications Bureau, overseeing all public safety telecommunications functions for the department, including 911 and dispatch.
Captain Polk is a distinguished law enforcement leader with extensive public service experience, including time with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves and Lakeland Police Department before joining Tampa Police Department. Her career is marked by high-impact service in both criminal investigations and community engagement, including the successful revitalization of the Police Athletic League and co-launching the Community Engagement Bureau. Captain Polk holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University and has completed elite leadership training including the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, reflecting a career-long commitment to professional excellence and community trust.
Captain Jordan Russel will oversee critical investigations as a commander within the Criminal Investigations Division.
Captain Russel is a veteran law enforcement professional with over two decades of experience. His career encompasses high-impact roles in violent crime investigations and service on the ATF Task Force. Distinguished by his expertise, he has presented nationally on the Violent Crime Model and Project Safe Neighborhood strategy. Captain Russel holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the University of South Florida. His credentials include specialized leadership training from the Navy SEAL Foundation and certification as an ICAT Curriculum Trainer, reflecting a career-long commitment to tactical excellence and professional development.
Additional promotions are as follows:
LIEUTENANT
Rose Angelakopoulos
Chrystal Shiver
Nathan Toole
Anthony Skolarus
SERGEANT
Amanda Baranowski
William Baumann
Hope Dauphin
Jacob Gonzalez
Robert Sudler
CORPORAL/DETECTIVE
Edward Barreto
Kayla Hothem
Christopher Miller
Neal Pelletier
Jared Sedacca
Tejon Washington
A formal ceremony will be held at the Bob Buckhorn River Center, located at 402 W. Laurel St. on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The ceremony will also celebrate the recent promotions of Eric DeFelice and Patrick Messmer to the rank of Deputy Chief, as well as Whitney McCormick and Lisa Purcell to the rank of Major.