The promotions include:

Major Derek Loeffler will be promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel and will serve in the Finance and Personnel Services Division. An 18-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, Major Loeffler has held six years in command positions and served in a wide range of operational and professional development assignments. Most recently, he served as Executive Officer to Police Commissioner Richard Worley, supporting high-level operational and administrative initiatives. Major Loeffler began his law enforcement career in the Southeast District and has also served in the Northeast and Northwest Districts, as Commander of the Education and Training Section, and in various other leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University. Major Loeffler is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), further enhancing his leadership and strategic management skills in law enforcement.

Captain Alicia White will be promoted to the rank of Major and will oversee the Homeland Security Section. She is a proud native of Baltimore City and a 15-year veteran of the Department. Captain White currently serves as the Captain of the Public Integrity Division, overseeing criminal and administrative investigations into police misconduct. Her previous command roles include Captain of the Anti-Crime Section and Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner. Captain White has led patrol operations, directed the department’s Inspection and Audits Unit under the Performance Standards Section and contributed to the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures within the Consent Decree Implementation Unit. Captain White holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Louisville. She is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) and the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course.

Lieutenant Richard Purtell will be promoted to the rank of Captain and will serve with the Operational Intelligence Section. With more than 32 years with the Baltimore Police Department, Lt. Purtell has served with unwavering commitment to the department and the residents of Baltimore. He began his career in the Northeast District and started with the Homicide Section in 1998. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008 and served in Northeast District and later returned to the Homicide Section until his promotion to Lieutenant in 2019, where he served in the Southwestern District. In 2020, he returned to the Homicide Section and currently serves as a Shift Commander. Lieutenant Purtell holds a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College.

Lieutenant Horace McGriff III will be promoted to the rank of Captain and will serve as the Executive Officer of the Western District. As a 32-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, he began his career in the Southern District and later served as a detective in the Organized Crime Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 and served in the Northern District before being assigned to the Education and Training Section. In 2023, Lieutenant McGriff was promoted to Lieutenant, serving in the Northeastern District and later assigned to the Public Integrity Division. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Coppin State University.

Additionally, four commanders will move to new assignments throughout the Department:

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Howe will serve with the Resources and Accountability Bureau.

Major Sam Hood will serve as the Duty Officer with the Patrol Division.

Captain Ramone Luke will serve as Captain of the Special Investigations Response Team and Administration Section of the Public Integrity Division.

Captain Christopher Merino will serve as Captain of the Investigations Section of the Public Integrity Division.

“These promotions reinforce our commitment to public safety and strengthening our department and operations,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “I’ve had the privilege of working with many of these leaders throughout their careers and they have continued to serve our city with professionalism, integrity and dedication. I am grateful for their continued service to Baltimore and am confident in their ability to lead with honor and distinction.”

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.

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