NOBLE Notes: Living History: Debbie Montgomery, NOBLE Members and Chapters in the News -- Alaska and New York

National Organization Black Law Enforcement Executives

St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith speaking about Officer Montgomery's legacy during the May 3, 2016 ceremony.

Officer Montgomery's Rookie Portrait.

On May 3, 2016, St. Paul, MN honored Debbie Montgomery, who became the city's first female police officer in 1975. Now, more than four decades after her rookie year and a distinguished career in public service--both in and out of law enforcement-- Ret. Officer Montgomery's rookie portrait and plaque were unveiled and will permanently hang in the Western District Community Room.

St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith, who served with Montgomery early in his career, honored her saying she "set a trail and a history that had never been set for the city of St. Paul." Smith went on to note that "not only was Montgomery the first female police officer ... but also the first African-American female as well. She has been a mentor and a role model throughout her career and even as we speak today (since) she's been retired."

Montgomery, who also served as an assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, rose through the ranks of the St. Paul Police Department to become a senior commander. She retired in 2003.

Montgomery, a former St. Paul City Council member, said she was honored by the recognition. "I was a city planner by profession, so that's what I was doing before I got here and yet when I look back, I couldn't have found a better profession to go into," she said. "My heart is in it. ... It's all about public service." You can see a full video of the local news story on Ret. Officer Montgomery here. 

Sgt. Sims with Dr. William Walsh, former Director of SPI, and Retired Lt. Col. Cynthia Shain, Director of SPI On May 12, 2016, Alaska State Trooper and NOBLE member Sgt. Cornelius "Moose" Sims  graduated from the Administrative Officers Course of the Southern Police Institute (SPI) at the University of Lousiville. Sgt. Sims is one of forty-five officers from thirty-seven agencies and sixteen states to graduate in SPI's 135th class.  During the training period, which began in February and concluded in May, Sgt. Sims earned a 99.28% GPA and was bestowed the Director's Academic Award for the Undergraduates due his high academic achievement. The award is named for former Director of SPI, Dr. William Walsh.

NOBLE New York Chapter Holds Its 33rd Annual Scholarship Dinner Dance

NOBLE New York Chapter President Timothy Pearson and the night's honorees.

Chapter President Pearson with the scholarship recipients.

The NOBLE New York Chapter, led by President Timothy Pearson, granted 10 scholarships to local students at its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Dance. The dinner dance, held May 5, 2016 at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, NY, marks the event's 33rd anniversary. In addition to the scholarship recipients, the affair's festivities also honored to eight others for community service.