Police on the Move: Congratulations to UAPD's Promoted Supervisors and New K-9 Handlers

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From left to right: Trevor Mitchell, Brandon Powell, Jeremy Carrell, Paul Edwards, Jr., Ryan Barber, Christopher Ramey and Kaya Kidd

The U of A Police Department recently promoted five staff members and assigned two new K-9 handlers.

"We are excited to congratulate and welcome our new supervisors and K-9 handlers," said UAPD Chief Steve Gahagans. "After completing directed training, they will become part of our supervisory group, providing an important opportunity for them to show leadership and help us continue fostering a safe and welcoming environment as we move into the new year."

Supervisor Promotions

Ryan Barber and Brandon Powell have been promoted to sergeant, while Paul L. Edwards Jr., Christopher Ramey and Jeremy Carrell received promotions to corporal.

Sgt. Barber began his UAPD career in July 2016. He has been working as a K-9 handler since 2017 and most recently served as a patrol corporal. During his time with UAPD, he has received officer of the year honors twice. He also served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Powell's promotion to sergeant comes after six years as a corporal. He has served UAPD for over 11 years total, including time as a field training officer, helping build the foundation for the future of the department and making a difference in countless lives.

Cpl. Edwards' law enforcement career began with UAPD in 2007, serving on patrol for the past 15 years. He has also been a K-9 handler, and he actively serves as a women's self-defense instructor and on motorcycle patrol. Edwards hopes to become a history teacher in the future.

Before earning his promotion to corporal, officer Ramey started with UAPD in March 2021. Prior to joining UAPD, he was a parole agent with the Department of Community Corrections. He played football at Arkansas Tech University before graduating from the U of A with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Cpl. Carrell most recently served as a public safety officer for four years. He originally joined UAPD as a communications operator in 2014. Long before his days with UAPD, where he has twice earned the community-oriented policing award, Carrell initially began working on the U of A campus in 2002, as part of the Chartwells staff in the dining halls. He joined U of A staff in 2006.

New K-9 Handlers

The UAPD K-9 unit features some of the campus community's most beloved members of the department — if not the entire U of A. The newest handlers of the esteemed K-9s are officers Kaya Kidd and Trevor Mitchell, who both initially joined UAPD in August 2021.

Born and raised in Fayetteville, officer Kidd is also a U of A student who strives to bridge the gap between the community and the Police Department by attending outreach events weekly. She will be assigned to K-9 Kane.

A lover of dogs, officer Mitchell requested to be a K-9 handler as soon as there was an opportunity. He will be assigned to a seasoned K-9 named Charlie, who is trained in bomb detection.