John Pike got more than a Meritorious Service Award at this week's police ceremony. He also got a promotion, from sergeant to lieutenant.

The ceremony in the MIND Institute auditorium at the UC Davis Medical Center also included the promotion of three officers to the rank of sergeant: James Barbour, Roger Harper and Don Malloy.

Pike fills a lieutenant's job that had been vacant for about a year. With his appointment, the department is back to its full complement of four lieutenants.

As a lieutenant, Pike will be in charge of support services. The other lieutenants are Matthew Carmichael, in charge of detectives, evidence and property; John Johnson III, in charge of the Police Department's medical center unit; and Nader Oweis, in charge of campus patrol and Aggie Hosts.

Barbour has been with the UC Davis Police Department for three years, Harper for one year and Malloy for about 1½ years. All have prior experience with other agencies.

"It is always exciting to promote from within a department," Police Chief Annette Spicuzza said. "I am fully confident that these individuals — with their vast experiences and knowledge — will bring new ideas and perspectives to their positions as well as the department."

— Dave Jones