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By Tom Collins
Arizona Daily Wildcat
November 12, 1996
Calling to mind the brief history of campus policing and saluting its future, University of Arizona Police Chief Mike Thomas introduced five newly promoted officers Friday."Today I'm happy to be able to present the right officers, the chiefs of tomorrow," Thomas told a group of about 15 assembled friends and family members at UAPD headquarters.
Vince Roberts, Michael Smith and Gene Taitano were recognized for their recent promotions to sergeant, while Brian Seastone was recognized for becoming a lieutenant. Jose Sprigg, who was also promoted to sergeant, did not attend the ceremony.
Thomas said Roberts came to UAPD five years ago as a motorcycle officer. He said Roberts then became a member of the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Task Force, before returning to UAPD, where he is the firearms instructor.
Thomas said Taitano is UAPD's "defensive tactics" instructor and the department's only drug-recognition expert. He said Taitano also oversees the department's DUI enforcement.
Taitano said he has been with the department four years.
Thomas said Smith is helping the UAPD football team make a name for itself in the Police Olympics while he oversees physical fitness for the department.
Smith said he has been with the department three years and is excited by the promotion.
"It's kind of different," Smith said, because he now must "direct people in what to do." With more duties, Smith said he is more responsible for mistakes, but at the same time he is more involved in UAPD's success.
Seastone has been with the department for 16 years, Thomas said. He said Seastone has served as a patrol officer and then as a public information officer.
Thomas said Seastone focuses on training, evidence and crime prevention. Every year, Seastone goes to the sororities, fraternities and residence halls to talk about campus crime, Thomas said.
"He does a good job in outreach," Thomas said.
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