White Plains Police Promote 3, Hires 2 During Ceremony

Three veteran White Plains police officers were promoted Monday in ceremonies at Public Safety Headquarters.

Anthony Drago, a 19-year veteran of the Police Department who is currently assigned as the Supervisor of the Data Management Unit, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Lt. Drago spent the first 10 years of his career as a member of the Patrol Division. In 2004, he was selected to work on several technology projects for the Office of the Commissioner, which included the design and development of the Department's Intranet. He was promoted to the rank of Detective during his time assigned there. He was promoted to Sergeant in November of 2008 and was reassigned to the Patrol Division. He took up his current assignment in October of 2009.

John Emhardt, a nine-year veteran of the Department was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Emhardt has served as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer and as a member of the Traffic Unit. Emhardt has been reassigned as a supervisor within the Patrol Division.

Vincenzo Battaglia, a seven- year veteran of the Department was also promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Battaglia, has also served in the Patrol Division and in assignments in the Neighborhood Conditions Unit and as a Recruit Instructor. He has been reassigned as a supervisor within the Patrol Division.

The Department also hired two new civilian dispatchers, Melissa Schmelmer and Victor Barrios.