Benny Napoleon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benny N. Napoleon, J.D.
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| Wayne County Sheriff | |
| In office July 6, 2009 – December 17, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Warren Evans |
| Succeeded by | Raphael Washington |
| Chief of the Detroit Police Department | |
| In office July 1998 – July 15, 2001 |
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| Mayor | Dennis Archer |
| Preceded by | Isaiah McKinnon |
| Succeeded by | Charles Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1955 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | (aged 65) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lisa Cunningham (divorced) |
| Education | Mercy College of Detroit (BA) Detroit College of Law (JD) |
| Profession | Police officer |
Benny Nelson Napoleon (born September 10, 1955 – died December 17, 2020) was an American lawyer, police officer, and public leader. He was best known for serving as the Sheriff of Wayne County, Michigan. He also ran to become the Mayor of Detroit in 2013.
Growing Up and Learning
Benny Napoleon was born in Detroit in 1955. He was one of seven children. His father, Harry Napoleon, was a minister. Benny went to Cass Technical High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Later, he earned a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
His Work in Public Service
Benny Napoleon joined the Detroit Police Department in 1975. He was also part of the Detroit Police basketball team. They played in international tournaments. From 1998 to 2001, he served as the police chief. This was under Mayor Dennis Archer. In 2004, he became an Assistant Wayne County Executive. This role helps manage the county's government. In 2009, he became the Sheriff of Wayne County.
Running for Mayor
Benny Napoleon was a member of the Democratic Party. In 2013, he decided to run for Mayor of Detroit. The current mayor, Dave Bing, was not running again. This election happened after an emergency manager was put in charge of the city. An emergency manager helps a city that is having money problems. During his campaign, he called himself "a businessman with a badge." Benny Napoleon came in second place in the first election. He lost the main mayoral race to Mike Duggan on November 5, 2013.
His Final Days
In November 2020, it was announced that Benny Napoleon had COVID-19. This was during the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan. He was taken to a hospital on November 21. He was placed on a machine to help him breathe. Benny Napoleon passed away later on December 17, 2020.
