The Temple University Police Department will mark the promotion of four police officers with a pinning ceremony in April. Family and friends will be invited as the officers are sworn into their new positions.

Mark Craney was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant after proudly serving the Temple community for almost 15 years. He previously served as a sergeant. “I wanted to further my leadership skills and continue building positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, administration and the Temple community,” Craney said. 
He was previously a volunteer firefighter and has worked as a first responder since he was 19 years old. Craney added that serving the Temple community provides him opportunities for personal and professional growth. “Working in a dynamic and challenging environment can help students, our staff and officers develop new skills, expand their perspectives and achieve their potential as a Temple Owl,” he said.

Elijah Lewis was promoted as a sergeant and previously served as a police officer with the department for 14 years. “I would like to be a mentor to other police officers and help them grow while in the department,” he said. “It was also my goal to advance in my career as an accomplishment to myself.” Lewis added that he is proud to serve the Temple community because he enjoys the diversity on and around campus. “We are from all walks of life, and from all around the world, and yet we have arrived here together,” he said. 

John Carpenter was also promoted as a sergeant and previously worked as a police corporal. He has worked at Temple for nearly five years and has 17 years of experience in law enforcement. “I wanted this role because I want to pass my knowledge and experience to the next generation of police officers,” he said. “I am proud to contribute to creating a safer and more secure campus environment, ensuring that education and research can thrive.” He also said building trust and fostering a community where everyone feels supported and protected is important to him. “Working alongside a dedicated team of professionals, we collaborate across the university to enhance safety measures and respond effectively to our community's needs,” he said. “This position not only offers me the opportunity for personal and professional growth, but also the privilege of making a tangible difference in the lives of the Temple community members.”

The promotions will be effective Monday, April 1, 2024.

“We are exceptionally proud of the work our supervisors do to lead their respective teams every day, and we look forward to supporting them in their new roles,” said Jennifer Griffin, vice president for public safety. “There is no doubt that campus is safer because of their work and commitment.”