POULSBO — Police Chief Al Townsend promoted Poulsbo officer John Halsted to sergeant, effective May 13.

Halsted has been a law enforcement officer since 1993. He began his career as a corrections officer with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department, then started his municipal policing with the McCleary Police Department before joining the Poulsbo Police Department in 1996, according to Townsend’s announcement.

Halsted has held numerous positions in the police department, including patrol, K-9 handler, SWAT, narcotics detective, part-time school resource officer and detective.

Townsend said Halstead’s strengths will complement the existing sergeants and command staff.

“I hope you will join me in congratulating John on his promotion,” Townsend wrote.

“I would also like to acknowledge the excellent group of candidates that participated in the process.  We are lucky to have such a talented group of officers.”