NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Police hosted a promotional ceremony Friday, Jan. 26 at Keith Middle School to honor the promotions of Lt. Ricard Rezendes to Captain, Sgt. Candido Trinidad to Lieutenant and Officer Jonathan Lagoa to Sergeant.

Capt. Rezendes is a 29-year veteran of the force. He began his career as a recruit in 1989, was promoted to Sergeant in 2000 and to Lieutenant in 2007. He was named an administrative assistant in the chief's office in 2017.

His honors include a letter of commendation from Thomas Hodgson in 1992 for the arrest of 11 gang members; a lifesaving award for leading individuals to safety from fire on Bentley Street and a thank you from the Southeastern Mass. Portuguese Providers for input on domestic violence issues. He also received the chief's award for his dedicated service.

Lt. Trinidad is a 14-year veteran of the force. He began his career in 2004, was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, where his assignments including port authority and communications/booking.

He received two certificates of commendation from the city in 2005 for furthering public safety; a thank you in 2005 from the Cove Street Neighborhood Association for family fun day; and a certificate of thanks from Civil Service in 2009.

Sgt. Lagoa is a 12-year veteran of the force. He was honored for outstanding police work in 2008 for arresting a wanted male with a loaded 9 mm handgun and three rounds in the magazine. He was honored in 2014 with an honorable service award after being shot through the arm and into the torso while executing a search warrant for drugs.

Chief Joseph Cordeiro congratulated the three newly promoted officers, whom he described as men of integrity and honor and great assets to the department.

The chief said the key to success is "attitude, attitude, attitude. You need a strong, positive attitude.''

He reminded them of the importance of leading their officers with praise, picking them up when they are down and taking interest in their lives.

"Have high standards for yourself,'' he urged the newly promoted officers. "You set the example for everyone else.''

--New Bedford Police

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107