Port Arthur Police Lt. Frank Ramirez has been promoted to the position of police major/deputy chief within the department.

The selection process included a seven-member panel to interview all selected candidates that included city staff, community members, a public safety chief and a district attorney office prosecutor, according to a press release from the city of Port Arthur.

The panel members commented on how impressed they were with all of the candidates, which made it extremely difficult to select just one person. Although challenging, the board unanimously selected Ramirez for consideration for possibly appointment.

“I too feel that this member of our department will serve with the highest professionalism, integrity, fairness and performance in this new role and it is my responsibility to do all I can to allow them to be successful. I am confident you will support him also,” PAPD Chief Patrick Melvin said.