Local Scholarship Opens Doors in Public Safety
A local scholarship is helping shape the future of law enforcement in Northeast Ohio. The Reginald Shelby Safety Forces Scholarship, created to support minority candidates entering police and fire service, has played a key role in Derrell Powell’s appointment as Madison Township’s first Black police officer.
Powell, a graduate of Lakeside High School, received full support for his police training through the scholarship. The fund was created by community leaders Emory Moore, Police Chief Robert Stell, and the Shelby family. Their goal was to help more people of color enter public safety roles across Ashtabula County and nearby communities.
A Growing Impact on Minority Representation
So far, the scholarship has supported three individuals: a current officer in Ashtabula, a firefighter serving in Pennsylvania, and now Powell. Each recipient reflects the broader mission of the fund—to increase diversity in fire and police departments where minority representation has historically been low.
“We just want to see more minorities in law enforcement,” said Emory Moore. The committee didn’t hesitate to back Powell’s placement in Madison Township, even though it was outside Ashtabula. They focused on the bigger picture: getting qualified, passionate officers into departments that need them.
Family Legacy and Community Service
Powell’s journey is also deeply personal. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Gus Powell, who was the first Black officer in Ashtabula and served for 34 years. That legacy helped shape Derrell’s path, though he initially tried different careers.
He worked as an animal control officer and later as a housing inspector—both roles that involved close cooperation with police. “I tried to chart my own path,” Powell said, “but it [law enforcement] kept coming back.”
Experience and Readiness on the Job
Powell’s earlier work gave him valuable experience in the field. He was often called to support police officers at scenes involving animals, safety hazards, or housing code enforcement. Those real-life situations became training grounds long before he put on a badge.
His mother, Renee Powell, admitted she thought he’d stick to inspections. But Powell’s growing interest in police work, combined with support from the scholarship program, led him to make the career shift.
Leadership and Mentorship Behind the Program
Chief Robert Stell, one of the scholarship’s founders, praised Powell’s entry into law enforcement. “We are all law enforcement partners,” he said, showing full support for Powell’s decision to serve in Madison Township.
Police Chief Troy Hager of Madison Township said the department was proud to have Powell. “It doesn’t matter to him,” Hager said. “He just wants to be a police officer.” Powell also became the first Black employee in the department’s history.
A Model for Other Counties
The Reginald Shelby Scholarship goes beyond paying for training. It offers mentorship, guidance, and career placement support. Organizers say this model could work in other counties struggling with diversity and recruitment challenges in public safety.
With more success stories like Powell’s, the program shows that even small, community-based scholarships can create lasting impact and open doors for the next generation of officers and firefighters.
