Benny Nelson Napoleon was born to Rev. Harry and Betty Napoleon (Rev. Napoleon preceded him in death). Benny and his siblings were raised in the family home on Seyburn, where Rev. Napoleon began his ministry later christened Tennessee Missionary Baptist Church. A confirmed 'PK' Benny fully embraced his faith and was baptized at the young age of 11.
Benny excelled in Detroit Public Schools and turns out he was also athletic. 'Skinny Benny' ran cross country and played Little League baseball with his big brother Hilton. Yet basketball ultimately became his passion. Teenage 'Thin Ben', as he later preferred to be called, played Guard for Cass Technical High School, even advancing to a championship final at Cobo Hall in 1972.
While selling shoes at Sibley's after graduation in 1973, the ever-dapper Benny encountered one of Coleman Young's mobile recruiting vans for the Detroit Police Department. He filled out an application, but didn't follow through until a recruiter tracked him down six months later. He graduated from the Academy in 1975 and meticulously rose through the ranks enjoying a career marked by several nationally-renowned accomplishments including: supervising the investigation that prosecuted those who attacked international figure skating champion Nancy Kerrigan; apprehending 10 escapees from the Ryan Correctional Facility; and reducing violent crime in Detroit by 30% as Chief of Detroit Police.
While those accolades stand out in his lengthy 45-year career, none figures so prominently as the 'Drama on Dresden' where an agile Inspector Napoleon was seen sprinting, cradling a baby he rescued, during an incident where a barricaded gunman fired over 1,500 rounds at officers. That image immortalized in print was seen nationwide!
With dogged determination he pursued a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Mercy College of Detroit and a Juris Doctor Degree from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. He completed some 56 courses of specialized training over his career including Secret Service Dignitary Protection and Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government. His honors and awards are too numerous to count. Like many heroes, he simultaneously fought crime, represented clients in court, served as Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and coached PAL basketball and baseball for the Boys and Girls Club. But, nothing compared to what he considered his most important role, father of his beloved daughter Tiffani Chanel.
Benny was amazingly devoted to his 'Tiff.' Rarely seen apart, he often said 'if Tiff can't go, I ain't going!' Together, Benny and Tiffani experienced his world of local and national icons; civic leaders, and a multitude of entertainers, presidents, and even Nelson Mandela. Benny and Tiff racked up millions of frequent flyer miles traveling the globe together, time he treasured especially after retiring from DPD in 2001.
He worked the next decade in the private sector as Vice President of a real estate investment firm before serving as Assistant Wayne County Executive. He also taught Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix eagerly grooming the next wave of law enforcement professionals. Throughout all of his experiences, he remained gracious to everyone he encountered, frequently saying 'just call me Benny.' They in turn considered him to be kind, compassionate, giving, loyal, humble, highly skilled and a man who always kept his word.
Benny achieved his final, greatest role as leader when he was appointed Wayne County Sheriff in 2009 and enjoyed landslide elections in 2010 (partial term), 2012, 2016 and again in 2020. As Sheriff, he streamlined operations, revised methods of confinement saving taxpayers millions and catapulted the issue of mental health care and incarceration into the local and national conversation. His input into the Wayne County Criminal Justice Complex currently under construction will culminate in a safer, more effective combined campus for personnel and citizens.
With all this work, there had to be room for play for Detroit's most-beloved crime fighter. Over the years, he and Tiff visited Disney World often and he even took a Grand Prix race car for a spin. But in recent years he has indulged his newest pastimes-never-ending home renovations and playing golf! He enjoyed discovering courses nationwide and even attended the Masters in Augusta. Though he was laser-focused on reducing his score, Benny enjoyed the camaraderie with golf buddies far more than a great round.
You can say Benny obsessed over DIY projects at home. Yes, he loved golf. But nothing compared to the time he cherished with his family, his daughter and treasured grandson Malachi. Benny was Malachi's biggest fan. He traveled near and far to watch Malachi play basketball, never missing an opportunity to be courtside. Family was first for Benny. Even as he pursued his career opportunities, for Mayor, you always saw them and his beloved Sharon by his side
That family devotion was nearly matched by his deep commitment to the community of faith. He visit a church or house of worship, donate to their programs and help promote faith-based initiatives - his support was inter-denominational. As Sheriff, he greatly expanded the Chaplain Corps understanding the vital role faith leaders play in our neighborhoods.
Sadly, several weeks after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 in November, Benny received his wings. He fought valiantly given the tremendous care he received from the doctors and nurses constantly watching over him. His sunset commenced on December 17, 2020 with Tiffani and his family near his side.
