Sgt. Oliver promoted to RPD captain

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Russellville Police Sgt. Shannon Oliver went to bed Monday night with a new rank of Captain after the Russellville City Council voted to promote him during their regular council meeting.
"I am ecstatic about the promotion," Oliver said. "I didn't go to bed until 4 a.m. that night because I was so excited and couldn't believe it."
Today will be Oliver's first full day as patrol captain at the department. He will switch from the night shift to days, but will help during his night shift through the transition period.
"My main duties will be to oversee the day-to-day operations of the patrol officers," Oliver said. "Which means a lot of administrative duties and paperwork."
While Oliver is new to the captain's position, he's not new to role of supervisor. He was a sergeant at the Franklin County Sheriff's Department before joining Russellville's department three years ago.
"I have been a sergeant at this department for over two years," Oliver said. "So, I do have experience as a supervisor."
Oliver said the biggest change would be getting used to the administrative duties that he's not had to deal with.
"I'll look to the chief as needed through the adjustment period," Oliver said.
The new captain said he is grateful for the opportunity to work in this position.
"I'd like to thank the Civil Service Board and the City Council for having faith in my abilities to do this job," he concluded.