FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2024

Media Contact:
Kimberly Curth
kimberly.curth@portnola.com
(504) 388-4898

Harbor Police Department Celebrates Promotion Ceremony

Three HPD veteran officers promoted from rank of Sergeant to Lieutenant

NEW ORLEANS — August 16, 2024 - The Harbor Police Department (HPD) announced the promotion of three veteran officers during a promotional ceremony held earlier this week at the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA).

Lt. Chris Clark celebrates his 12^th year with the HPD and will now serve as Commander of A-Platoon. Lt. Peter Brito is a 19-year veteran of the force and moves to Commander of C-Platoon. Lt. Charlonda Cummings has served with the Harbor Police Department for 11 years and will now be an Administrative Lieutenant.

“The women and men of the Harbor Police Department dedicate their careers to protecting critical infrastructure and the community at large,” said Harbor Police Department Chief, Melanie Montroll. “I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and today is a great example of how HPD is committed to investing in our people and helping our officers advance their careers in law enforcement.”

“The Harbor Police Department plays a vital role in ensuring that our facilities remain secure and that the flow of commerce continues smoothly,” said Port NOLA acting President & CEO, and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) acting CEO, Ronald Wendel Jr. “These promotions are a testament to the hard work, integrity, and professionalism that Lt. Clark, Lt. Brito and Lt. Cummings have demonstrated throughout their careers. We look forward to the leadership they will continue to provide in their new roles.”

In 2023, HPD launched an integrated marketing campaign to support the department’s recruitment efforts. You can watch HPD’s recruitment video here. You can also learn more about the Harbor Police Department by visiting HPDnola.com, and you can find HPD on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Officers who join HPD become part of a unique and specialized law enforcement agency charged with protecting critical infrastructure and Louisiana’s largest international gateway, the Port of New Orleans. Harbor Police officers patrol on land throughout Port NOLA’s 23-mile, three-parish jurisdiction, but they also oversee the waterside activities on the Mississippi River within Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes. Additionally, HPD works closely with local, state, and federal agency partners on a number of coordinated responses to ensure the safety of our community and homeland defense.

About HPD:

Port of New Orleans Harbor Police Department was granted the authority to enforce laws and perform police functions under Louisiana Revised Statutes 34:25 and 34:26. HPD is dedicated to providing law enforcement, safety and security throughout port property and waterways within the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction of Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. HPD’s mission is to contribute to homeland defense by ensuring the safe, secure, and efficient flow of cargo and cruise passengers; and a safe, secure working environment for Port tenants, workers, and visitors throughout the jurisdiction of Port NOLA. HPD works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, Louisiana State Police, and local law enforcement agencies.

About Port NOLA:

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is a modern multimodal gateway for global commerce and an in-demand cruise port — delivering seamless, integrated logistics solutions between river, rail, and road. Port NOLA is a diverse deep-water port uniquely located on the Mississippi River near the Gulf of Mexico -- with access to 30-plus major inland hubs such as Dallas, Memphis, Chicago, and Canada via 14,500 miles of waterways, 6 Class I railroads and interstate roadways. Strategic alignment with the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, a Class III connecting railroad, strengthens Port NOLA’s position as an integrated hub and supports the Port’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity.