Honoring Women Who Serve
On Monday, September 28, 2026, 35 women, serving as first responders, teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders were honored with the Spirit of Detroit Award. The celebratory gathering, hosted by When Real Men Pray Ministries and the Friends of the Water’s Edge, featured dinner, fellowship, and heartfelt recognition for the recipients.
Detroit City Council Member Renata Miller of District 5 and her staff were officially thanked for their support in recognizing these courageous women.
NOBLE women who were honored this evening:
Retired Dallas Chief of Police NOBLE National Immediate Past President Renee Hall
Retired DPD Deputy Chief and former NOBLE President Brenda Goss Andrews
University of Michigan Police
Chief Crystal James
Inkster Police Chief Tamika Jenkins
DPD Deputy Chief Shanda Starks
DPD Deputy Chief Sonia Russell
Retired Lieutenant Velma Hampton
Retired Lieutenant Lurline Wicker
ATF Special Agent Jameria Caldwell
Wayne State University Police
Sgt. Phaebre Colbert
Wayne County Community College District Lieutenant Cynthia Brown
Congratulations!!! NOBLE Metro-Detroit Member Deputy Chief Shanda Starks
Join the NOBLE Metro- Detroit Chapter in celebrating our very own Member Shanda Starks of the Detroit Police Department, promotion to the rank of Deputy Chief.
Deputy Chief Starks -This promotion is a reflection of your perseverance, passion and talent. NOBLE MDC is excited to see you achieve this milestone. Wishing you much success in this exciting new chapter in your career.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Mark Young!
Members of the MDC-NOBLE, please congratulate President Mark Young of the Detroit Lieutenants and Sergeants Association (LSA) who has been a champion with encouraging fellow law enforcement officers to continue their education and obtain their degrees that will enable them to pursue professional development, and promotions.
Mark Young will be honored on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00pm by receiving a honorable Doctorate Degree from Cleary University. The ceremony will be held at Eastern Michigan University's George Gervin Center.
We Salute you (Dr.) Young, job well done!!
Hats Off to Chief Crystal James!!!
Member Crystal James is the First Black Female Chief of the University of Michigan Police Department in Ann Arbor (2023).
In 1989, Chief James graduated from the Detroit Police Academy and became a member of the Detroit Police Department. In 1992, she was the second black female to be a part of the University of Michigan Police Department.
Chief James
We Salute You!!!
Heroes Behind the Badge
Congratulations to Detective Viera Brownlee!
NOBLE MDC would like to congratulate NOBLE member Det. Viera Brownlee on her retirement from the Detroit Police Department.
NOBLE MDC Member Bryant L. George Free Press Marathon 2024
NOBLE MDC would like to highlight Member Bryant L. George for his Free Press Marathon races, 1 Mile, 5 Mile and the half international of 13.1 Miles.
Michigan Chronicle Woman of Excellence 2024
Congratulations Chief Elvin Barren, Southfield P.D.
Chief Elvin Barren was honored by VFW Post 2645 as their 2023-2024 First Responder of the Year on January 18, 2024. Chief Barren received a Public Service Award Citation in honor of all that he’s done in and around the Southfield Community. With this presentation from VFW Post 2645, Chief Barren will also be eligible to advance further and be awarded the VFW National Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation.
