Lillie Miller is the first black woman in Des Moines to hold the rank of Police Captain. | Facebook/Des Moines PD
Lillie Miller is the first black woman in Des Moines to hold the rank of Police Captain. | Facebook/Des Moines PD
Lillie Miller, a woman with over two decades of service in the Des Moines Police Department, recently made history as she became the city’s first Black woman to be promoted to the rank of captain, KCAU 9 News reported.
“This is huge for me, being a pioneer and a trail blazer is not only a great honor but a great responsibility. It’s about bringing others along who look like me that can be with me,” Miller said.
Her landmark promotion did not go unnoticed as approximately 100 supporters came to watch as she accepted her captain’s badge.
“I am so delighted. I could just cry to see history in the making is phenomenal for this community and everyone around it,” said Renne Hardman, a supporter.
“She’s been a credit to all of us. An example to other young people that we need you to join the police force,” said Iowa State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad.
As a captain, Miller’s duties will include running operations and helping train employees.
“If there is no one coming behind me, am I actually blazing a trail, or am I just creating a path? I want to be blazing a trail,” Miller said.
Alerts Sign-up