CPD’s Wheeler promoted to lieutenant | Collierville Independent

Collierville Police Officer Josh Wheeler was promoted to Lieutenant on Jan. 6 at the Collierville Municipal Courthouse on Walnut Street. Chief Larry Goodwin led the ceremony, which was well attended by Wheeler’s fellow officers.

Wheeler’s wife, Marci, and his father, Wes Wheeler were also at the ceremony, as were Mayor Stan Joyner; Aldermen John Worley, Billy Patton and John Stamps; and Town Administrator James Lewellen.

Wheeler is stepping into a vacancy created when Lieutenant Tom Beard retired in December. It was evident that Wheeler was a good fit for the job when he ranked high in the Lieutenant Promotional Process Testing held last August; the process included written and oral tests on eight areas of police work, a media reporting exercise, problem solving exercise and a personnel file review.

Lt. Wheeler showed early interest in a career in law enforcement by participating in the Collierville Police Department (CPD) Explorer Program and working part-time for the department during high school and college. He was hired as an officer by the CPD in 2008, after graduating from The University of Memphis.

During his years with the CPD, Wheeler has obtained instructor certification in firearms, defensive tactics, less lethal/chemical munitions, and he is a certified armorer for all of the department’s weapons.

Wheeler also attended basic SWAT school at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, and is a member of the CPD SWAT team.

Wheeler thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony, and he thanked Chief Goodwin and his other superior officers for their example and their instruction.

He thanked his wife and father for their love and support, and his fellow officers for being with him on the job and on this special day.

Wheeler will serve in the Patrol Division and as an Assistant SWAT Commander.