Merced promotes new sergeant

A ceremony Tuesday at City Hall filled a management position in the Merced Police Department, officials said, but several other spots remain open.

Dan Dabney, who was a detective, was promoted to sergeant during a swearing-in ceremony attended by friends, family and co-workers of the 21-year veteran of law enforcement.

“This is a dream come true and I am overwhelmed by the turnout today,” the 44-year-old said.

A member of the Atwater High Class of 1989, Dabney has worked for Hughson police and the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. He said he’s worked with Merced police for 15 years, including stints with the bomb squad, crime scene investigation and technology crime.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Union Institute and University, a school headquartered in Cincinnati with academic centers in Los Angeles, Sacramento and other cities.

Police Chief Norm Andrade, who administered the sergeant’s oath, said the department is still looking to fill another sergeant’s spot, as well as hire for a lieutenant and captain position.

Three openings would need to be filled to reach the department’s maximum of 91 officers, he said. The city’s all-time high count for officers was 111 in 2007.

“We’re taking incremental steps back to where we want to be,” Andrade said.

Dabney will make $92,184 annually in his new role, according to the city’s salary schedule.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Merced promotes new sergeant."