2 Reading Police Officers Promoted To Sergeant

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department has selected two police officers to be promoted to the rank of sergeant, Chief David Clark said.

The promotions of officers Matt Orr and Ian Nelson will take effect Jan. 3.

Orr has been in law enforcement since 2010, previously working for the Montville Police Department in Connecticut from 2010-2014. He has served as a field training officer for the past five years and is a member of the department's training team.

Orr is an instructor of CPR, first responder training, tourniquets, automated external defibrillators, Narcan and defensive tactics, and also teaches OUI and patrol procedures at the Citizens Police Academy.

He holds a bachelor's degree in criminology from Stonehill College and a master's degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University. In his free time, Orr is a volunteer coach for Reading Little League.

Nelson, who grew up in Reading, joined the police department in 2005. He is also a field training officer and member of the department's training team.

Nelson is an instructor of firearms, less-than-lethal responses and active shooter response. He teaches at the Citizens Police Academy and the RAD women's self-defense program, and is a member of the Honor Guard.

Nelson is president of the Reading Police Patrol Officers Association. Outside of work, he is a scoutmaster with Reading Scout Troop 702.

"Both Officer Nelson and Officer Orr are highly-trained, dedicated to the entire Reading community, and excellent role models for their fellow officers," Clark said. "I am sure both of these officers will make excellent sergeants and supervisors, and I look forward to our continued teamwork."