Prescott Chief of Police Debora Black has been honored by the Arizona Capital Times (ACT) as the Arizona Public Safety Leader of the Year. The award was presented in a virtual ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Black was praised for her “long legacy of dedicated and innovative service within the public safety industry.”
Black soon will complete 40 years in her law enforcement career. For the past seven, she has led the Prescott Police Force. She is the first woman to have served in that role.
Black told the Quad Cities Business News, “I am extremely humbled by this honor. It is an absolute privilege to lead the outstanding men and women of the Prescott Police Department in our efforts to keep Prescott safe. To receive an award for doing the work I love is very special. I also congratulate the other honorees.”
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli praised Black, saying, “We have been privileged to witness her exemplary leadership as our Chief of Police.”
The ACT announcement in September recognized outstanding citizens from throughout Arizona in 14 categories, ranging from Arts and Culture to Transportation.
Prior to accepting the Prescott police leadership role in July 2016, Black had been the chief of the Glendale Police Department. In 1980, Black had joined the Phoenix Police Department and worked there for 25 years.
Originally from Illinois, Black later relocated to Phoenix. In 1986, she earned a degree in justice studies at Arizona State University (ASU) and later, a master’s degree in public administration at the Tempe university.
Black and her husband, Tim (who also had a career in law enforcement), bought a home in Prescott in 2012, with the intent of retiring here.
She says they are delighted to be in Prescott. “The reality is the paycheck may be less, but the quality of life in Prescott more than makes up the difference.”
Black supervises a police force of about 80 officers that serves a population of around 43,000. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN