Raphael Washington becomes new Wayne County sheriff
Region mourns death of Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Washington
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DETROIT Wayne County and many across Michigan are mourning the death of Sheriff Benny Napoleon, while also welcoming his successor, Raphael Washington, who was previously serving under Napoleon as the deputy chief of jail and courts.
At least 14 applicants were considered to follow Napoleon as sheriff, and on Jan. 15, Washington was selected. A 37-year law enforcement veteran, Washington has served with both the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Detroit Police Department.
“I am excited to be named to this position,” said Washington. “It comes with mixed emotions. A dear friend of mine, my boss and my leader, has died. I’m excited, though, and I’m ready to go, and I think I have a lot to bring to the position and serving the public in this way.”
Who was Benny Napoleon and how did Wayne County sheriff die?
Updated: 18 Dec 2020, 12:07
WAYNE County Sheriff Benny Napoleon died at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday December 17, 2020.
But how did the 65-year-old Detroit police chief, who contracted Covid-19, pass away?
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WAYNE County Sheriff Benny Napoleon died at the Henry Ford Hospital on Thursday December 17, 2020 after battling Covid-19Credit: Wayne County
Who was Benny Napoleon?
He was one of seven children.
He attended Cass Technical High School before receiving degrees from the University of Detroit and the Detroit College of Law.
He then joined the Detroit Police Department in 1975 and began rising through the ranks.