New lieutenant and sergeant for South Lake Tahoe Police Department

Two members of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) were promoted on during an official swearing-in ceremony at the Lake Tahoe Airport on Monday.

Shannon Laney was promoted to lieutenant and Doug Sentell was promoted to sergeant as they took their oath with SLTPD Police Chief Brian Uhler.

With the retirement of Brian Williams, Laney was chosen to take his place, then Sentell took over Laney's old position.

Lt. Laney now joins Lt. David Stevenson as the SLTPD's two lieutenants. They fill in as chief when Chief Uhler is unavailable and are key advisers in the department. Laney will oversee detectives, records, technicians and dispatch.

Laney joined the force on September 7, 1999 after serving ten years in the Navy. He put himself through the police academy in his hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif., then joined SLTPD. His wife Susie and two daughters Brittany (20) and Harmony (15) were at the ceremony along with sister-in-law Diane Watson.

"She's always stood by me," Laney said as he thanked his wife. "I'm looking forward to the new challenges. Brian left very big shoes to fill."

Doug Sentell came to SLTPD in May of 2005 after two years as an officer in his hometown of Clear Lake, Calif. Joining him at the ceremony was wife Holly and their four sons ages 8-15.

He said he had a lot of great sergeants as he rose through the ranks and aims to be one of them.

During Brian Williams' retirement party on Saturday, Chief Uhler honored him with a new rank. Williams is retiring with the rank of Captain.