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New Police Chief Michael Fraser announced the promotions of Sergants Craig Eicher and Michael Elerick to the rank of lieutenant and Officers Joseph Leonardo and Leigh Ridgers to the rank of sergeant, effective Saturday.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Senior Center on Sunol Boulevard.

Sgt. Eicher began his career at the police department in December 1989 as a police reserve officer. He was then hired as a police recruit and started the Rio Honda Police Academy in April 1991. Upon successful completion of the academy Eicher was sworn in as an officer in July 1991. His assignments include bike patrol, field training officer, motor officer, detective and detective sergeant. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in May 2002. He also holds a master's degree from St. Mary's College. Along with wife Kim, his family includes two children, Joe and Jill.

Starting out as a police officer with the city of Richmond from 1991 to 1993, Sgt. Elerick was hired as an officer in Pleasanton is April 1993. His various assignments have included SWAT team member, personnel and training, detective, and field training officer. Currently, he serves as an administrative sergeant. He earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College. With wife Patricia, he has two sons, Brendan and Ryan.

In August 1989, Leonardo came to the department as an entry-level officer. Since that time he has served as a SWAT member, DARE officer, bike patroller, narcotics officer and field training officer, and now is a detective. He and his wife Rana have four children, Kyle, Kevin, Alexandra and Nicholas.

Previously working in the Piedmont Police Department as an explorer, reserve police officer, dispatcher and police officer, Ridgers came to the Pleasanton department in November 1989. His duties have included motor officer, field training officer and detective. He now is the treasurer for the Pleasanton Police Officers' Association board. Ridgers and his wife Eve have three children, Kristen, Matthew and Nicholas.

-- Emily Atwood

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