ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) - The Elmira Police Department held a promotion ceremony Tuesday for two of its officers.

Deputy Chief Scott Packard previously took the oath of office but his family was not able to be present for that swearing in. Packard joined the department in April 2003, and was promoted to sergeant in 2011, lieutenant in 2016, and Deputy Chief since March.

The other officer, Andrew Hughson was hired in January 2009 and has been promoted to sergeant.

Hughson says he is honored to be promoted.

"It's quite an honor that they entrusted my skills and knowledge of the job to bring it forward to a whole platoon to serve the city of Elmira," said Hughson. "It's a great honor to take my skills up to the next level."

Chief Thorne says these ceremonies are important as they highlight the good work that their officers have done to reach the point they are at now.