Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Chief Colonel Woodrow W. Jones formally announced the promotions of 27 officers to the rank of corporal through lieutenant colonel.
These promotions, which include a historic first, comprise two new bureau chiefs and one of which is the first African American female to hold the rank of lieutenant colonel in the department.
Colonel Jones announced Major Kevin Anderson is promoted to lieutenant colonel and will head the MDTA Police’s Bureau of Operations, which includes two divisions— Patrol and Special Operations. Lieutenant Colonel Anderson is a 25-year veteran and previously served as the head of the agency’s Patrol Division.
Major Lucy Lyles is promoted to lieutenant colonel and becomes the first African American female to hold that rank in the MDTA Police. Lieutenant Colonel Lyles is a 25-year veteran and will now head the Administrative Bureau, which consists of two divisions – Logistics and Support Services.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of my wife,” said Gary Lyles, Col. Lyles’ husband. “She worked hard and she never stopped reaching for new heights. She said she could do it and she did it.”
While his wife declined to be interviewed, Gary Lyles said it was important that she received the recognition he believes she deserved after years of dedicated service.
“It paid off. Her hard work really paid off and she’s always believed in the job and believed in herself,” Gary Lyles said.
Among the others promoted, Captain Richard Ricko received promotion to major and assigned as Division Commander of Logistics. He has been a member of the MDTA Police for 25 years and previously served as the Commander of MDTA’s Highways.
Captain Timothy Eikenberg earned promotion to major and assigned as
Division Commander of Support Services. Major Eikenberg is a 16-year veteran and previously served, as the head of the agency’s Internal Affairs Unit.
Twenty-three additional officers were promoted to various ranks from corporal to captain. The officers were joined at the promotion ceremony on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, by family, friends, fellow officers, MDTA Board Members and the Executive Director of the MDTA.
The officers will take their new assignments throughout the state and will provide safety, security and service to the citizens of Maryland, according to an MDTA news release.
“These promotions are a big step in shaping a proud future for the MDTA Police. I have the utmost confidence in our newly promoted officers to bring ideas that improve the safety and security of those we serve,” said Col. Jones.