Auburn, Ala. - The Auburn Police Department is proud to recognize the recent promotions of Officers Joshua Blake, Brett Howell and Kolby Lee to the rank of detective (DET), effective July 8, 2024.

Joshua Blake began his career with the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in Oct. 2021. He has served as a SWAT team member, field training officer and evidence recovery technician. He also received the Department’s Top Shot Award for 2023.

He and his wife, Jocelyn, married in June 2024 and have a Goldendoodle named Mable.

Brett Howell has been promoted to the rank of detective. Detective Howell began his career with the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in February 2002. He is a field training officer and member of the peer support team. Prior to his career in law enforcement, he served in the Army Reserves from Sept. 1992 to Sept. 2000. Det. Howell has a bachelor's degree in homeland security and emergency management. He and his wife have been married for 18 years.

Kolby Lee has been promoted to the rank of detective. Detective Lee began his career with the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in Oct. 2020. Since then, he has served as a field training officer and evidence recovery technician. He is also certified in advanced roadside impaired driving enforcement and drug abuse recognition. Det. Lee obtained an associate degree in business and applied sciences from Southern Union State Community College and a bachelor's degree in business management from Faulkner University.

Detective Lee is married to his wife, Anna Lee.