DATE: February 13, 2018
Promotions within the Police Department
The Marietta Police Department is honored to announce the promotions of Sergeant Shane Merritt, Lieutenant Clayton Little and Major Brian Marshall. At a promotion ceremony this afternoon, Chief Flynn explained that promotions at every rank in the MPD are taken very seriously and promotional candidates are rated on overall competence, experience, training, extensive testing and a history of excellent job performance. Thus, Sergeant Merritt, Lieutenant Little and Major Marshall have well-earned their promotions and each of them will bring unique skill sets, and extensive knowledge to their new positions of authority.
Following is a photo and biographical sketch of each of our new promotees:
Sergeant Merritt
Shane Merritt began his career with the Marietta Police Department approximately 18 years ago on March 27, 2000. During that time, he has served as a Uniform Patrol Officer, a Crime Interdiction Agent, an Undercover Narcotics Agent and an Investigative Division Detective. During his time as a Detective, he participated as a member of the Homicide Team, Officer Involved Shooting Team and the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force.
Sergeant Merritt has been the recipient of the Difference Maker Award, Officer of the Quarter and the 2017 Officer of the Year. In addition to his regular duties, Sergeant Merritt currently serves on the Critical Response Team and the Honor Guard Unit.
Prior to his law enforcement career, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and served six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
Lieutenant Little
Clayton Little joined the Marietta Police Department almost 27 years ago on September 6, 1991. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota with a double major of Criminal Justice and Anthropology and he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University.
Lieutenant Little has worked on all three Uniform Patrol shifts, Investigative Services, the Community Outreach Unit, spent time at Marietta High School as a Resource Officer, as well as worked in Support Services where he oversaw the grant program.
Lieutenant Little was awarded the department’s Medal of Meritorious Service. He is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie program, and was one of the department’s first Master Patrol III officers
Major Marshall
Brian Marshall began his career at the Marietta Police Department in 1988 as a Marietta Police Explorer and was then hired on as a police officer in 1996.
He has served in Uniform Patrol, Investigative Services, Support Services, Training Unit, Public Information Officer, SWAT, Hostage Negotiations, Community Outreach Unit, and as the department Rangemaster. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Samford University and a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute.
He has been awarded the Medal of Meritorious Service, Officer of the Year, the Alex Newsome Supervisor of the Year, a Difference Maker Award and four Distinguished Service Awards.
The collective members of the MPD wish Sergeant Merritt, Lieutenant Little and Major Marshall the best of luck and Godspeed in their new positions.
