First Black Morristown Policewoman Retires After 26 Years Of Service

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The first Black woman promoted to a supervisory position in the Morristown police bureau officially retired last week after more than two decades in the service.

The Morris County Commissioners recognized Morristown Patrol Sergeant Beverly Downey's 26 years of dedicated service to the Morristown Police Department on Wednesday evening by presenting a special "Resolution of Honor" in her name.

Downey applied for a position with the Morristown Bureau of Police and was appointed on Aug. 4, 1997, to the 51st basic police recruit class at the Morris County Public Safety Training Center.

“When there was trouble and everyone else was running away, you were running to it. You always responded to the emergency, and we thank you for that,” stated Commissioner Director John Krickus.

Downey was assigned to the Patrol Division—foot post on the night shift—a common assignment for new officers. Downey did, however, stand out from her colleagues in one way: with her appointment, she became the first Black woman to wear a Morristown Bureau of Police uniform.

“When Sgt. Downey came through training, I pushed her to the limit. She was always prepared for whatever trouble came her way… I’m proud to say I served with her,” said Chief Ambrose, before handing her a plaque award.

On Dec. 7, 2020, Downey was sworn in as a Patrol Sergeant, making her the first Black woman ever to be promoted to a supervisor position within the Morristown Bureau of Police.

With this new rank, she took on the management and supervision of a squad of uniformed officers, a role that has been described as one of the most difficult in policing.

“She’s managed some major incidents including a murder, a deceased child that is currently in the media, a very difficult case. Without her smart thinking and making the right decisions that case could have gone south… She’s an excellent officer, excellent sergeant, and an even better person,” said Lt. Molnar, who worked directly with Sgt. Downey for over 20 years.