Whitmer Lowers Flags To Honor Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon

WAYNE COUNTY, MI — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday to honor the life and service of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, and coincide with his funeral.

Napoleon died on Dec. 17 at 65 years old from complications due to COVID-19.

Read More: Wayne County Sheriff Dies After Battling Coronavirus

“Benny Napoleon was a special guy," Whitmer said. “His warm smile, eager hand and honest heart was rooted in his faith in God, faith in his fellow man or woman, and faith in doing the right thing. He was a true community leader who always saw the good in situations, and he encouraged others to do the same. As we lower the flags today in Benny’s honor, my thoughts are with his family and the entire Wayne County Sheriff’s office.”

Benny Napoleon grew up in Detroit where he graduated from Cass Tech High School. He later attended the University of Detroit Mercy for his bachelor’s degree and Michigan State University for his Juris doctorate.

In 1975, Benny joined the Detroit Police Department. He worked his way through the ranks to become the police chief in 1998. He later served as the assistant executive for Wayne County. In 2009, Benny Napoleon became Wayne County Sheriff to which he served continuously for 11 years.