The Chicago Police Department celebrates Black History Month by honoring how the past continues to shape the future.​ 

Within the Chicago Police Department, that history lives through trailblazers who laid the foundation for generations of service, leadership and progress. Their commitment, resilience and professionalism helped shape the city and continue to influence what policing looks like today. ​ 

​As CPD honors those who paved the way, it’s important to recognize that their legacy is not confined to the past. It is carried forward every day by those who are continuing their mission of service.  

James L. Shelton: 

In 1871, James L. Shelton became the first Black police officer to join the Chicago Police Department. 

Grace Wilson:

In 1918, Grace Wilson became the first Black female Chicago Police Department officer and one of the first Black female officers in the nation. Officer Wilson served CPD for nearly 25 years until she retired at the age of 63​. 

Renault Robinson:

Renault Robinson co-founded the Afro-American Patrolmen’s League (AAPL), established in 1968 to improve relationships between law enforcement personnel and the Black and Brown communities. 

Samuel Nolan: 

Samuel Nolan was appointed as the first Black Interim Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department in 1979. He served in this role for several months. He was previously the head of the Department’s Community Relations Unit and the City’s first Commissioner of Public Safety. 

Fred Rice, Jr.:

Fred Rice Jr. became the first Black permanent Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department in 1983. Rice emphasized the importance of communication and building trust between officers and the communities they served. He retired as Superintendent in 1987.  

Jacqueline Murray: 

In 1988, Jacqueline Murray became the first Black female commander in the Chicago Police Department. She joined the Chicago Police Department in 1967 as a policewoman. ​ 

Murray became a patrol officer in 1974, when women were first allowed to serve in the same rank as male police officers. She became the department’s first female sergeant promoted by exam in 1978 and the first Black female lieutenant in 1988. ​She retired in 1994 after 26 years of service. 

Rudolph Nimocks: 

Rudolph “Rudy” Nimocks became the first Black Chief of the Chicago Police Department’s Organized Crime Division in 1983. He was also the first Black commander of the Department’s citywide Homicide Investigation Unit.​ 

Nimocks retired as the Deputy Superintendent in 1989 after 33 years of service.  

Noreen Walker:  

In 2000, Noreen Walker became the first Black female to serve as Deputy Chief when she was promoted to lead the Area Two Patrol Division. Walker had previously served as the Commander of the 4th District – South Chicago​. Walker retired in 2002 after 25 years of service.