KERN COUNTY, Calif. — The Kern County Sheriff's Office celebrated the promotion of nine officers during a socially distanced ceremony on Thursday.

"Remember we're professionals, and we care about the community we serve, so to each of you congratulations and you are the future of our organization," said Sheriff Donny Youngblood.

Youngblood continued to say that law enforcement has seen a dramatic change in the last few years and thankded these individuals who have stepped up to the plate.

Individuals promoted include:
Sergeant Jeffrey Kelly
Sergeant Daniel Perez
Sergeant Christian Melero
Sergeant Aaron Warmerdam
Senior Deputy Dizander Guerrero
Senior Deputy Gabriel Romo
Detentions Senior Deputy David Briggs
Deputy Coroner Laila Shaibi
Sheriff's Support Specialist Daniela Angel