Pauley promoted to captain, Wilson now a sergeant

On Monday night, the Ironton Police Department promoted two of its officers.

At a small ceremony attended by the mayor, fellow officers, family and friends, Patrolman Steve Wilson was promoted to sergeant and Sgt. Brian Pauley was promoted to captain.

They will now be the officers in charge of the midnight shift.

“I’m very proud of these guys,” said IPD Chief Pam Wagner. “They have worked very hard. They have went ahead and continued their education in law enforcement with training and have stepped up above and beyond.”

Pauley joined the force in 2005. He was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and in 2011, became the K-9 officer with canine partner, Goose.

He has gotten two commendations, one for valor in 2007 when he and other officers arrested a man with two knives who was threatening his family members.

The second was commendation for valor was in 2011 for the arrest of an armed suspect who had broken into Bob Clyse Auto Sales.

Wilson joined the IPD in 2006. He became the department’s evidence officer in 2012 and still holds that position. In 2013, he was assigned to the Lawrence County Drug Task Force.
Mayor Katrina Keith said she was happy to see the men promoted.

“I am excited to advance officers who have been here for awhile, that are committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Ironton,” she said. “I truly appreciate the commitment you two have shown Ironton. We appreciate what you do, day in and day out. We know the sacrifices you make.”

Wilson said he was very excited by the promotion.

“And I look forward to serving the Ironton Police Department in a supervisory position,” he said. “I look forward to learning about being a supervisor as opposed to being a patrolman. It’s totally different in the way we have to do our jobs.”

Pauley will remain partnered with Goose and is also looking forward to his new responsibilities.

“I’ve been a sergeant since 2009 and I’ve got a pretty good group of guys here at the department on the midnight shift,” he said. “Sgt. Wilson will be my sergeant and I think he will be a good asset to help me.”