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WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF

A look into late Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon’s legacy

The late Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon was a transcendent figure. Napoleon went on to become Wayne County assistant executive and then sheriff in 2009. He drew the entire community together,” said Gwen Moore, a graduate of Cass Technical High School. “He was a change maker because he was so extremely proud of Detroit,” said Wayne County Executive, Warren Evans. Moore actually went to Cass Technical High School with Napoleon.

Wayne County deputy chief appointed as sheriff, replacing beloved late Benny Napoleon

DETROIT – Wayne County Deputy Chief Raphael Washington has been appointed as the county’s new sheriff, replacing the beloved late Sheriff Benny Napoleon. “I congratulate Raphael Washington on his selection to be Sheriff of Wayne County. But I do look forward to working closely with our new sheriff on behalf of Wayne County. “I also want to thank Wayne County Chief Probate Judge Freddie Burton, Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Clerk Cathy Garrett for their service in selecting our new sheriff.” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans“I congratulate Sheriff Washington on his appointment and am pleased that the panel had so many well-qualified candidates to choose from in making its selection. “I am confident Sheriff Washington will serve with honesty and integrity in upholding the office to the highest of standards, all the while having the best interest of Wayne County residents.” Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell

14 applicants being interviewed for appointment of Wayne County sheriff

DETROIT – A three-person panel is conducting interviews with 14 applicants for the appointment of Wayne County sheriff. County officials were accepting resumes three weeks after Sheriff Benny Napoleon died following a battle with COVID-19. UPDATE Jan. 15: Wayne County deputy chief appointed as sheriff, replacing beloved late Benny NapoleonThe panel consists of Chief Judge Freddie Burton, County Clerk Cathy Garrett and Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Applicants include Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes, as well as Charles Corley II and T.P. List of applicants for Wayne County sheriff:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reacts to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared a tearful reaction to the death of friend and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon during a news conference on Friday. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Sheriff Napoleon died after a monthlong battle with a COVID-19 infection. Sharon, Tiffani and his whole family are in my prayers.” Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerRead: Local, state, federal leaders react to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny NapoleonMore reactions

Head of Detroit NAACP Rev. Wendell Anthony reacts to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon

The head of Detroit’s NAACP chapter Reverend Wendell Anthony spoke with Local 4 on Friday following the death of friend and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. See what Reverend Anthony had to say in the video interview above. On Thursday, Dec. 17, Sheriff Napoleon died after a monthlong battle with a COVID-19 infection. He was 65 years old. Read: Local, state, federal leaders react to death of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon

Funeral held for corporal killed in attack at Wayne County Jail

DETROIT – The final farewell to Corporal Bryant Searcy was Friday at Third New Hope Baptist Church on Detroit’s west side. “It’s a challenging time,” said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Searcy was on duty when he was killed at the Wayne County Jail. Napoleon said if it weren’t for the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of residents would have gathered to pay their respects. READ: Hear from daughter of corporal who was killed by inmate at Wayne County JailMore: Detroit crime news

Wayne County Jail had series of issues before fatal attack, union head says

DETROIT The head of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriffs Association said there were long-running issues that led to the loss of one of their own. Bryant Searcy, 50, was fatally attacked as he was checking to make sure cells at the Wayne County Jail were locked for the night. The attack happened Wednesday night at the Wayne County Jail Division 2 building. Union president Reginald Crawford said short-staffing has been a major problem for the 100-year-old jail where the attack happened. Searcy was working a second shift, a double shift, 16 hours.A 16-hour shift is the norm for jail guards.

Troubling details emerge in fatal attack on Wayne County corporal killed by inmate

DETROIT – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is in mourning over the loss of one of their own. Bryant Searcy, 50, was fatally attacked as he was checking to make sure cells at the Wayne County Jail were locked for the night. The attack happened Wednesday night at the Wayne County Jail Division 2 building. Police said Searcy checked the lock on a violent offender who has a long history of armed robberies and carjackings. “He (Searcy) was viciously assaulted by one of the inmates,” said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.