In a nod to Black History Month, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn celebrated a trailblazer in law enforcement, Sergeant Nikki Alexander of the Long Beach Police Department, the first Black woman to rise to the rank of sergeant in the department's long 135-year history, as reported by County of Los Angeles, California.
During a ceremony at the Board Room of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Alexander's pioneering achievement was formally acknowledged, she was joined by Commander Shalena Benson of LBPD as Hahn extolled her for not just breaking glass ceilings but for also becoming a beacon of guidance and development for the next generation, especially in professions where they've been underrepresented; the Long Beach Police Department ranks as the second largest city-run law enforcement outfit in Los Angeles County.
Expressing gratitude, Alexander did not bask alone in the limelight, recognizing both the honor from Supervisor Hahn and the support of her colleagues, saying, "I want to say thank you to Supervisor Hahn for this award and for honoring me, I appreciate you recognizing all of my hard work and I also want to recognize my colleagues who are here with me—thank you for your support, as well," according to the County of Los Angeles, California.
Alexander, whose law enforcement career spans over two decades, not only wears her badge with dignity but also dedicates her time off-the-clock, mentoring young girls in financial literacy, college prep, and more, also serving on the board of the Health, Education, Arts & Science Foundation which empowers minority youth with STEAM education and various educational opportunities, her community work just as commendable as her professional strides in policing.
