Derrell McCaleb Powell raised his right hand Tuesday and took the oath as a full time Madison Township police officer. The Lakeside High School graduate is the first Black officer—and first Black employee—in the department. His swearing in marked a proud and emotional moment for his family and the community.
Powell follows a powerful path. His grandfather Gus Powell served 34 years and was the first Black officer in Ashtabula. That family record now spans two generations of public service in northeast Ohio.
Powell Sworn In As First Black Officer In Madison Township
The ceremony took place during a Madison Township Trustees meeting. Family, officers, and community supporters watched as Powell took the oath. A second full time officer and a part time officer were also sworn that day.
Chief Troy Hager confirmed Powell is the department’s first Black employee. He said Powell just wants to serve as a police officer. The focus is on the work, not the label.
Family Legacy Tied To Grandfather Gus Powell
Powell’s new badge extends a story that began with his grandfather. Gus Powell was the first Black officer in the City of Ashtabula and wore that badge for 34 years. His long service set a standard of commitment and staying power.
Family members felt nostalgia at the ceremony. They saw the line from grandfather to grandson in uniform. That connection gives young people a living model of what long term service can look like.
Scholarship Opened The Door To Police Training
Powell completed police training with help from the Reginald Shelby Safety Forces Scholarship. The fund was started by Emory Moore, Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell, and the Shelby family. Its mission is simple: grow minority representation in local police and fire ranks.
Three people have received the scholarship so far. One now works in Ashtabula. Another serves as a firefighter in nearby Pennsylvania. Powell is the third and now serves Madison Township.
Push To Increase Minority Representation In Safety Forces
Emory Moore said the committee supports candidates wherever good jobs open. They did not want to hold Powell back while he waited for a local slot. Getting qualified officers of color into departments matters more than zip codes.
More minority officers can build trust with diverse communities. Representation also widens perspectives inside agencies that must serve every resident. Powell’s hire gives visible proof that change is possible.
Experience In Animal Control And Housing Prepared Powell
Before the badge, Powell worked animal control in Ashtabula. That job often put him beside police on calls. He learned scene safety, evidence care, and people skills under pressure.
He later became a housing inspector. That role also linked him with law enforcement on property and code cases. Each step added field experience that now supports patrol work.
Support From Chiefs And Family
Chief Hager praised Powell’s focus on doing the job well. Ashtabula Police Chief Stell said he is glad to see Powell land in law enforcement. He stressed that agencies in the region are partners.
Powell’s mother Renee thought he might stay in housing. Powell said he tried other paths but law enforcement kept calling him back. The oath sealed that calling.
Community Ceremony Highlights Team Growth
The trustees meeting marked growth for the department. Along with Powell, another full time officer joined the force. A part time officer was sworn with plans to serve as a school resource officer.
Adding staff helps coverage, response time, and school safety. It also gives Powell a peer group starting new roles together—important for training and morale.
Why Powell’s Hire Matters For Black Youth And Policing
Seeing a Black officer in local uniform can change how young people view policing. It shows space for them in public safety careers. It also signals that departments are willing to recruit and support diverse talent.
Powell’s story pairs legacy and opportunity. A grandfather opened the door. A scholarship removed cost. A township offered the job. That chain shows what coordinated community action can do.
Next Steps For Officer Powell
Field training will shape Powell’s first months on duty. He will learn policy, patrol areas, and local calls. Community events will give residents a chance to meet him outside emergency moments.
As Powell settles in, watch for youth outreach, school events, and joint efforts with neighboring agencies. Building relationships early can pay off when tough calls arise.
