Sparks police force makes progress with promotion

Melvin Gentry was promoted to sergeant last week, becoming the first African American promoted in the city's history.

Gentry filed a lawsuit against the city last year, claiming he was denied an earlier promotion because he is black.

His case is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Police Chief John Dotson said the pending lawsuit was not an issue in the Gentry's promotion this time around.

"I promoted the best three people in 1997 and I promoted the best three people in 1999," Dotson said. "He was not one of the top three candidates then and he is today."

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