(Milwaukee, WI December 18, 2020) Sheriff
Earnell R. Lucas issued the following statement on the passing of Wayne County Sheriff
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. A native of Detroit, Benny was known to all as a kind, intelligent and compassionate leader. A towering figure, yet humble spirit, Benny was as comfortable in the presence of the underserved and underprivileged as he was in the presence of the powerful and privileged. I met Benny shortly after becoming sheriff and our fondness and affection for one another took off immediately. He spent countless hours sharing with me the rigors of being sheriff, yet he also shared with me what an honor and privilege it is to serve the people of Wayne County. We last spoke, about security measures, in the days leading up to the November elections. I called and sent him a text two weeks later asking him if he would be on the Major County Sheriffs of America regional call that I was hosting. He texted me back indicating he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Benny was not on the call that day. There has been a void in my heart ever since. I received word late last evening that Benny had earned his wings and taken flight. I pray a star will guide him safely home to his heavenly reward. I also pray The Holy Spirit will comfort his daughter