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Posted: September 15, 2006
Captain Ed Drain, a 12-year veteran of the Plano Police Department, was named Plano’s new Assistant Police Chief, in conjunction with a promotion ceremony that saw three additional members of the Police team rise through the ranks.
Lieutenant Dan Curtis was promoted to Captain; Sergeant Brad Fortune to Lieutenant and Officer Ron Flanagan to Sergeant in a September 8, 2006 ceremony held in the Toler Room of the Plano Police station.
“We are very lucky to have capable employees to step up and take on the new challenges and greater responsibilities associated with increased rank,” Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin told a standing room only audience. “The four individuals we are promoting today have worked very hard to earn these promotions and they really deserve them.”
Filling the position of Assistant Police Chief, following the retirement of former Assistant Chief Steve Nagy in early September, Captain Ed Drain brings 12 years of service with the Plano Police Department to the position, as well as an impressive military background.
Prior to his Police service, Captain Drain spent 11 years on active duty as an Army Officer. A member of the Army Reserves, he was called back to active duty in 2004, serving a one-year tour of duty in Iraq before being released to return to work at the Department. During his career with Plano he has been a patrol officer, Emergency Response team member, Bomb Squad team member, Patrol Sergeant, Administrative Lieutenant and Support Service Division Captain. In addition to holding a BS degree in Criminal Justice from UTA and an MBA from Amberton University, he holds both Master Peace Officer and Instructor certifications from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
“This is certainly an honor to serve at this capacity in a Department like this,” said Assistant Chief Drain after being “pinned” by wife Linda. “When I was a patrol officer working on deep nights I was very proud to work for this organization and if I was still a patrol officer working on deep nights I’d be very proud to work for this organization. To be appointed Assistant Chief is just an amazing honor.”
Assistant Chief Drain cited the addition of a fourth Captain as a positive step in enabling the department to be more proactive in addressing crime issues and placed technology enhancements as a major communications priority. He also reflected on the quality of the department and the “amazing things we’ve done like Accreditation and low crime rates.”
“I also want to thank Steve Nagy,” he said. “Steve was a friend of mine. He was my boss, he was my mentor. I had the opportunity to work for him for two and a half years up in the Chief’s office and then work for him directly again as a Captain. I’m going to miss his leadership, and I just hope that I can continue the fine tradition that he has set in helping to lead this Department.”
Family members were invited to participate in the promotion ceremony, a tradition in the department. “It isn’t just the officers who sacrifice (for the job), it’s also the families,” said Chief Rushin. “There are a lot of missed meals, working weekends, midnight shifts…a lot of sacrifices. And because the families share in the sacrifices we want to make sure they share in the successes as well.”
Three other officers were promoted during the September 8 ceremony.
Lieutenant Dan Curtis was promoted to the rank of Captain. A fifteen year veteran of the Plano Police Department, Lt. Curtis has served as a patrol officer, narcotics investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Sergeant, Patrol Watch Commander and Patrol Administrative Lieutenant. Lt. Curtis currently holds Master Peace Officer and Instructor certifications. He holds an Associates Degree from Grayson County Community College and was a police office in Waco, Texas for two years prior to joining the Plano Police.
Sergeant Brad Fortune was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. After serving four years in the U. S. Marine Corps, Lt. Fortune was hired by Plano in 1995. During his 11-year career with the department he has been a patrol officer, Emergency Services Unit member, and member of the Honor Guard. He was also a Patrol Sergeant and Emergency Services Unit Sergeant. He currently holds certificates as a Master Peace Officer, Basic Instructor, Firearms, Defensive Tactics and Simunitions Instructor.
Officer Ron Flanagan was a DPS State Trooper for five years before joining the Plano Police Department in 2002. During his four-year career with Plano he has been a patrol officer and is currently assigned to the High Visibility Enforcement Unit. He currently holds a Master Peace Officer and Instructor’s certification and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Chief Rushin extended his “congratulations to everyone promoted today.” He continued, “I’m very proud of each and every one of you. It’s certainly well deserved and good luck to you in the next stage of your careers.”
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