Sandra Whitfield made history as the first African-American woman to join the Detroit Police Department’s Dive & Recovery Team.
Her appointment shattered glass ceilings, inspiring future generations and showcasing the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
“Sandra Whitfield, now a detective with DPD, was honored as the department’s Women in Blue Officer of the year in 2019. She’s also the first African-American female to be appointed to the DPD Underwater Recovery Team,” reports state.
Whitfield’s journey into law enforcement began at a young age, fueled by the strong women in her family, including her aunt, who worked in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
Her commitment to serving the community took root as a lifeguard with the city’s recreation department at just 16 years old.
“I started off working in the recreation department as a lifeguard, so I’ve been working for the city since I was 16 years old,” Whitfield shared.
Defying Expectations and Embracing Challenges
Whitfield’s decision to join the Dive & Recovery Team was a natural progression, following a decade of experience as a lifeguard.
Undeterred by the challenges, she underwent a full year of rigorous dive and operations training, further exemplifying her determination and dedication.
“It’s like a whole different world under there,” Whitfield said of her underwater assignments, which include searching the Detroit River, recovering weapons, and, in some cases, providing closure to families by retrieving bodies.
A Trailblazer Inspiring Generations
Whitfield’s accomplishments have not only broken barriers within the Detroit Police Department but have also served as a source of inspiration for her loved ones and the community at large.
“I am so very proud of her, she has done things that I would have never done,” beamed her mother, Janice Whitfield. “I mean diving down 50 feet of water, I’m just so impressed, I am so proud of her accomplishments and everything, and I just know she’s going to go so far.”
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Whitfield’s trailblazing achievements have been recognized by the Detroit Police Department, with her being named the “Women in Blue Officer of the Year” in 2019.
“Leadership is all about you, but it’s not about you,” said Detroit Police Chief James White. “It’s about the people you make an impact on – it’s about those people that you help – remember why we took this job, we took this job to help people.”
