"Police Chief Ed Drain announced the promotion of two officers in a ceremony at the Amarillo Police Department today.
Sergeant Wade Pennington was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Pennington is a 17 year officer with the Amarillo Police Department. He has served as a patrolman on Midnights 1st Watch, the C.O.P.P.S Unit, Narcotics, and the Motors Unit. After promoting to Sergeant in 2014, he transferred to the Detective Division and worked in the Robbery Unit and the Crimes Against Persons Unit. Lieutenant Pennington then became the supervisor over the P.A.C.E Unit and was most recently assigned as the Sergeant over the N.P.O. Unit.
Lieutenant Pennington is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Certified Firearms Instructor, a Taser Master Instructor and a Field Training Officer. He has extensive training in Active Shooter/Rapid Response, Incident Command/ Negotiations, Narcotics and Drug Smuggling, Police Bike/Police Motorcycle Operations, Motorcycle Firearms and Traffic Reconstruction.
During his 17 years of service, Lt. Pennington has received over 20 department and citizen commendations for his diligence to duty and service to the community; including a Division Citation and a Meritorious Service Citation.
Sergeant Aric Howard was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Howard is a 10 year officer with the Amarillo Police Department. He joined the 77th Amarillo Police Academy in June 2008 and was awarded the Carver Award as the top graduate of his academy.
Lieutenant Howard has served as a patrolman on Midnights 1st shift, Evenings 3rd shift, and Narcotics. After promoting to Sergeant in 2015, he transferred to Detectives with the Special Victims Unit. He was most recently assigned as a 3rd Shift Field Supervisor.
Lieutenant Howard is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Certified Instructor, a Field Training Officer, and an Academy Instructor. He has training and certifications in Supervision, Intermediate and Advanced Incident Command, SWAT, Interrogations, Narcotics, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and Family Violence.
During his 10 years of service, Lieutenant Howard has received over 15 department and citizen commendations for his diligence to duty and service to the community; including a Division Citation.
APD Lieutenant promotions are based on scores in competitive written examinations and overall performance in an assessment center interview. The number of officers promoted is limited to the number of budgeted positions open. The examinations tests candidates based on study of approved material covering subjects including criminal investigation, police supervision and administration, Departmental rules and policies, and state law."
-Amarillo Police Department
Howard, Pennington
Photo by APD