WHEELING, W.Va.--

The Wheeling Police and Fire Departments held a joint ceremony Thursday to recognize many in their departments for years of service who retired, those who were promoted, and one new officer who completed the State Police academy.

Fire Chief Larry Helms said for the Fire Department, Lieutenant/Chief Investigator David Palmer retired after 26 years.

Promotions included:  Capt. David Nelson, Lt. Tadd DeLuca, Fire Engineer/Paramedic Nicholas Brown, Fire Engineer/Paramedic Charles Ransom, and Fire Engineer Michael Toepfer.

In the Wheeling Police Department, Chief Shawn Schwertfeger announced the following in his department: Lt. William Piccard retired after 20 years of service.

Promotions were handed out to the following people with their newly respected ranks, Promotion to lieutenant for Phil Redford, sergeant for Micah Zinn, corporal for Jason Chambers and Pfc. for Robert Safreed. New officer Erick Burke was also sworn in.

Commendations in the Police Department were given to: Pfc. Sarah DentPfc. Ken Parker, Sgt. Ken Prager, Pfc. Byran Hails, Officer Sean Michael, Officer Sean Brantley, Pfc. Jason Martin and Cpl. Ulrich Utt.

A Lifesaving award was given to Officer Bryan Wilson.