Pittsburgh police Detective George T. Trosky, who is a veteran homicide detective, will be promoted to the rank of police commander, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced yesterday.

Detective Trosky is among four officers receiving promotions in a ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday at City Hall.

Detective Charles A. Rodriguez will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

Officers Eugene F. Hlavac and Eric S. Churilla will be made sergeants.

The promotions were approved by Mayor Ravenstahl on recommendations of police Chief Nate Harper.

Detective Trosky was demoted a decade ago.

In July 1997, police charged then-Sgt. Trosky with simple assault for breaking the nose of his wife, Cheryl. The charge was dismissed at a preliminary hearing because she failed to appear. The couple divorced in 1998.

He was also charged with driving drunk after the alleged assault. That charge was dropped when a blood alcohol test was deemed inadmissible in court.

As a result of the arrest, he was demoted from sergeant to patrolman.

In April 1989, he punched a Grateful Dead fan he had taken into custody. The incident was caught on videotape, and the clip was shown on national television. Detective Trosky was charged with using excessive force but was cleared by a trial board.

Over his 28-year career, Chief Harper has said, the detective has kept his focus on the job. The chief hailed Det. Trosky's character, leadership and competence on the homicide squad.

Fraternal Order of Police President James J. Malloy supports Detective Trosky's promotion.