Wednesday was an important day for Des Moines Police. Eighteen officers, sergeants, lieutenants and captains were promoted to higher ranks. Chief Dana Wingert says it’s one of the largest promotions in department history. “I've been here 31 years, obviously never seen anything like this. I'm not sure anything has happened like this in the history of the police dept,” Wingert said. Friends, family, fellow officers, and city leaders celebrated the change. Promotions to higher ranks mean new badges and plenty of handshakes and hugs. Normally promotions happen periodically throughout the year. This time it's different.“Kind of one fell swoop. Ton of talent, to of experience to set us up for the future. Kind of an unprecedented promotion ceremony for unprecedented times,” Wingert said.Wingert says it’s a more diverse group than in the past. Lillie Miller is the first Black female police major. She was promoted to captain just two years ago which was another first for the department. “When I was a sergeant on the midnight shift, Lillie was actually in my squad. As the years go on and she gained experience and her talents speak for themselves," Wingert said.The chief knows Des Moines residents are keeping a closer eye on the dept. since the unrest in 2020. There's renewed talk of a police department oversight committee. “I’m not afraid of oversight. I'm just not,” Wingert said, adding that it’s also unnecessary.“If that's what you want to spend your time, your effort and your money on so be it. I think the good people in Des Moines know they have a great police dept. We do our very best to keep them safe. I know the quality and capability of the people inside these four walls. I’ll stack them up against anybody,” the chief said.Wingert says the event shows the Des Moines Police Department is in good shape.“Obviously there has been a lot of criticism for the profession in its entirety across the country. But these folks are proud of the Des Moines Police department,” he said More from Todd Magel: